President Donald Trump announced on September 15 that the Board of the Kennedy Center had agreed, almost unanimously, to close the building for safety reasons, so that the reconstruction process can begin. Trump stated that the closing would take effect immediately, but noted that the renovation and reconstruction, described as a very large and complex job, cannot commence until the D.C. Circuit rules on the Board's approved name change.
Trump warned that if the ruling is negative and not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the reconstruction and renovation of the Kennedy Center will not proceed. He added that attorneys from the Department of Justice will seek an expedited appeal. Meanwhile, Trump said $17 million raised by him has been deposited into the Kennedy Center account to keep it afloat.
