Members of the Kennedy Center board approved the immediate closure of the facility's primary structure for renovations on Sept. 16. The move follows a judicial ruling that prevents President Donald Trump from adding his name to the building's facade. Trump linked the facility's reconstruction to the naming plan, warning that repairs would not take place if the courts continued to rule against his effort to be credited on the institution.

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) told CNN that Trump "threw a tantrum" during a board meeting and disputed the language of the board's vote, claiming the center remains open. The closure vote occurs as the arts venue faces bankruptcy and structural issues, including ceiling collapses and water damage. Trump previously offered to raise funds to avoid fiscal collapse in exchange for public recognition of his role.