Kennedy Center Board Set to Decide on Trump’s Renovation Closure Plan

The Kennedy Center's board of trustees will meet Monday at the White House to vote on temporarily shutting down the performing arts venue for President Trump's proposed two-year renovation project. The plan faces opposition from some Democratic board members who question the president's authority to make such sweeping changes to the congressionally-designated memorial.

WASHINGTON – Board members of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are scheduled to gather Monday at the White House to decide whether to temporarily shut down the venue for an extensive renovation project championed by President Donald Trump.

The vote will occur during a meeting in the White House’s East Room, where the renovation proposal is anticipated to receive approval. This expectation stems from Trump’s strong advocacy for the project and his appointment of the board’s voting members.

In December, the same board approved renaming the facility – originally designated by Congress as a living tribute to Kennedy following his 1963 assassination – to the Trump-Kennedy Center.

The president previously revealed plans to close the cultural institution for a two-year renovation period beginning after this year’s July 4th holiday.

“The temporary closure will produce a much faster and higher quality result,” Trump stated when he announced the shutdown plans on February 1st.

However, the proposal has drawn criticism from Democratic board members who serve in non-voting capacities, including U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty. A federal judge ruled last week that the administration must permit the congresswoman to participate in Monday’s meeting and review the renovation blueprints.

“No president has the authority to shut Congress out of the governance of the Kennedy Center, much less unilaterally rename or demolish it,” Beatty declared in a statement following the court ruling.

While the full scope of proposed modifications remains unclear, Trump has described the building as “run down” and hazardous. On Friday, he released exterior design concepts showing a appearance similar to the existing white marble front and white columns that encircle the structure, which were recently covered with paint.

Interior design plans have not been made public, though Trump suggested in December adding white marble armrests to the center’s chairs. He has also indicated that carpeting, walls, lighting fixtures, performance stages and air circulation systems would undergo changes.