The Kennedy Center’s board voted to restore President Donald Trump’s name to the building’s facade and close the center for two years for renovations, defying a federal court order. The board’s decision was made during a virtual meeting, where they voted to add Trump’s name to the building, reading ‘The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump.’ The plaza in front of the building will also be named after Trump.

Background

The decision comes after a long battle over the center’s future, with Trump’s allies on the board pushing to commemorate him with physical changes to the building. In May, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that letters affixed to the building with Trump’s name were added illegally and ordered their removal. Cooper also blocked a two-year closure of the center, saying an earlier board vote authorizing the closure was ‘ill-informed and seemingly preordained.’

Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat and ex-officio board member, criticized the board’s decision, saying it was a ‘transparent effort to circumvent the Court’s ruling.’ Beatty vowed to continue fighting for the center, calling it a ‘treasured national monument.’ The Kennedy Center’s management has argued that the center is in need of repair and updating, with executive director Matt Floca highlighting severe water damage and outdated equipment during a tour of the building in April.

Renovation Plans

The board’s decision to close the center for two years will allow for substantial renovations, including repairs to the building’s infrastructure and updates to its equipment. The center’s leadership has said that the renovations are necessary to improve safety and provide a better experience for visitors. The decision to close the center has been met with criticism from some, who argue that it will have a negative impact on the local community and the arts.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.