The Kennedy Center’s board voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the building’s facade and close the center for two years for renovations. The decision has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing it is an attempt to circumvent a federal court order.

Background

The Kennedy Center has been at the center of a battle over its future, with Trump’s allies on the board pushing for physical changes to the institution. The board’s decision to add Trump’s name to the building’s facade and close the center for two years has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue it is an attempt to defy a federal court order.

In May, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the addition of Trump’s name to the building was illegal and ordered its removal. The board’s decision to close the center for two years has also been criticized, with some arguing it is an attempt to limit public access to the institution.

Renovations

The Kennedy Center’s management has argued that the renovations are necessary to improve safety and update the institution’s infrastructure. The center’s executive director, Matt Floca, has said that the renovations will include repairs to the building’s facade, as well as updates to the institution’s mechanical systems.

The closure of the Kennedy Center for two years has sparked concerns about the impact on the local community. The center is a major cultural institution in Washington, D.C., and its closure is expected to have a significant impact on the city’s arts scene.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.