Kennedy Center Still Deciding Between Full or Partial Closure Amid Court Order

The Justice Department informed U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper that the Kennedy Center has not yet decided whether to pursue a full shutdown, a limited-access partial closure, or a series of phased closures for its renovation work. Executive Director Matt Floca said the board will meet in mid-July to choose among the three options.

Cooper’s earlier injunction blocked the administration from closing the venue until 2028 and reversed a board decision to rename the center after President Trump. The judge also required the government to report on plans for public access and programming after the July 5 start date of the previously planned closure.

In its filing, the Justice Department asked for additional time to respond to Rep. Joyce Beatty’s lawsuit and suggested both parties submit a joint status report two weeks after the board’s meeting. Beatty’s attorneys argued the administration had “gutted” the center’s programming and urged the court to require weekly updates on steps to resume operations.

Separately, the administration confirmed it had removed Trump’s name from the building’s signage, website, and promotional materials following Cooper’s order, and had withdrawn related trademark applications. A tarp continues to cover the portion of the façade where the name had been displayed.

Cooper previously ruled that the board’s unilateral renaming exceeded its authority and that only Congress could change the institution’s name. He also noted that while repair work may proceed, any future closure decision must balance the center’s multiple obligations prudently.