Trump Hasn’t Left Much Kennedy Center to Stay Open
A federal judge ruled that the Kennedy Center cannot close for renovations and ordered the removal of Trump's name from the institution. The center, which has faced significant challenges under Trump's leadership, is struggling to maintain operations. Staff members express concerns about the future of the cultural landmark as it appears to be in a state of disarray.
- ▪A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to remain open and removed Trump's name from the institution.
- ▪The Kennedy Center has seen a decline in audiences and programming under Trump's stewardship.
- ▪Staff members describe the center as a 'ghost ship' with internal communications scarce and duties dwindling.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
CultureTrump Hasn’t Left Much Kennedy Center to Stay OpenA judge ruled the complex cannot close for a renovation—and that the president’s name must come down. The damage is already severe.By Janay KingsberryJ. David Ake / GettyMay 29, 2026, 9:13 PM ET ShareSave For months, the dwindling ranks of staffers at the Kennedy Center have been bracing for July, when the Washington, D.C., arts complex had been slated to shut down. How the bruised institution would bounce back after a two-year closure ordered by the president of the United States—and what it would look like once it did—were major questions.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
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