The Kennedy Center board voted on Tuesday to close the historic Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This vote took place in a meeting that began immediately after a federal judge once again halted the plan to name the building after Donald Trump.
Trump's Reaction to the Board's Decision
The Trump administration immediately announced that it would cancel the renovation plan for the center unless the decision to add his name was overturned by a higher court. Trump stated, "This closure will happen immediately, but the renovation and modernization, which is a large and complex task, cannot begin until the D.C. Circuit Court rules on the name approved by the board."
Read more: Shofar; Where Did the Sound of the Jewish New Year Come From?
Financial and Administrative Status of the Kennedy Center
Managers of the Kennedy Center have informed the board that the physical condition of the main building is unsafe and its financial status is "weeks away" from bankruptcy. Even before Tuesday's vote, ticket sales had significantly decreased, and many famous artists had canceled their performances, stating that the center had been affected by politics.
The board has consistently expressed its willingness to close the main venues of the center in recent months. A small section called REACH, which has recently opened, will remain open to maintain public access to the living memorial of John F. Kennedy.
The board has also stated in documents submitted to the federal court that it intends to consider facilities for two signature programs of the center as well as the National Symphony Orchestra. In a proposed resolution, the board emphasized that it will maintain "ongoing planning in REACH and off-center venues."
Judge Christopher Cooper's ruling, which prohibits the installation of memorials for Trump or any other person at the Kennedy Center, was issued as part of an ongoing federal lawsuit filed by Representative Joe Biazi, a Democratic member of Congress. Biazi had initially filed a lawsuit last December to prevent the renaming of the center to "Trump Kennedy Center."
Read more: Predictions for the Future of 'Star Trek' Series in Hollywood · The Trump Administration Faces Legal Battles Over Green Cards with 22 States
Source: npr.org
