Kennedy Center sees sharp drop in donations after board adds Trump’s name to building

Internal records obtained by a news outlet indicate that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts experienced a steep decline in fundraising after its board voted in December 2025 to add President Donald Trump’s name to the building. Gifts to the center dropped 42% and pledged donations fell by more than 100% between January and April, compared with the preceding three-month period. A tax expert said the magnitude of the decline could result from earlier pledges being withdrawn.

The documents, covering fiscal years 2024 through 2026, show the center already struggled financially after the COVID-19 pandemic, with ticket sales falling to pre-pandemic levels and a reported cash shortfall in May 2025. Preliminary figures project a deficit of over $16 million for fiscal year 2025, rising to $23 million in 2026.

A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center said the institution is adapting to post-pandemic changes in audience behavior and that, while Trump helped secure congressional funding, additional fundraising is needed for payroll, programming and other costs. The center’s leadership also noted ongoing cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions and lower operational expenses.

Legal disputes continue over the center’s future. A federal judge ordered the administration to provide at least 30 days’ notice before any demolition or new construction, and the court is reviewing the temporary closure of the main building for emergency repairs. The executive director said engineers have identified significant corrosion and that a safety assessment is underway, with an update expected within two weeks.

The situation has sparked debate over whether naming the venue after Trump would improve fundraising prospects. The Justice Department argued that the president’s name could attract donors, while the court has so far rejected attempts to link the name change to demolition plans.