CA, US & World
Kennedy Center board votes to add Trump inscription and close for renovations
The Kennedy Center board has voted to close the performing arts institution for two years of renovations and approved plans to add an inscription recognizing President Donald Trump, according to people briefed on the decision.
The board voted Thursday to add an inscription below the Kennedy Center's existing sign stating that the arts complex was "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump."
The board also voted to keep the REACH, a separate portion of the complex, open during the renovations for smaller-scale performances.
The Kennedy Center must provide a federal judge with information about the planned closure and renovations by August 18.
The center has been at the center of a legal battle since Trump moved to take greater control of the institution during his second term. In December, the board voted to rename the venue the "Trump Kennedy Center."
However, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., blocked the planned closure in May and ruled that the board had violated the law when it added Trump's name to the performing arts center.
U.S. District Judge Casey Cooper wrote that federal law makes clear the center is to be named for President John F. Kennedy and that the board could not unilaterally give it another formal name.
Trump's name was subsequently removed from the building's facade in June following the court order.
One source said the new inscription is not intended to rename the center, while another described it as a permanent reminder of Trump's influence on the institution.
Nathaniel Zelinsky, an attorney representing Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat and Kennedy Center trustee who challenged the name change, called the latest move an attempt to evade the court's ruling.
The Kennedy Center has also faced declining ticket sales, artist withdrawals, political controversies and staffing reductions.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
August 13, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
About 650,000 ballots and election materials are back with Riverside County election officials after the California Supreme Court ruled their seizure violated state election law. The materials remain under the registrar’s control as officials determine next steps.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you get excited or stressed about the upcoming holiday season (or both) ?
BREAKING: Human remains believed to be those of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar have been discovered at a second site in the Salton City area, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office. A skull and rib cage were found during a search involving Imperial County investigators and the FBI. Testing is still needed to confirm the remains belong to Tovar. The discovery comes one day after suspect Finebloom pleaded guilty to torture and voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that could result in a sentence of 13 years to life. More details on NBCPalmSprings.com
NBC Palm Springs went back to Indio Hills today after Dillon Road flooded last night, forcing many residents to leave. One resident told us he is back today, working on repairs—after his home faced extensive damage in the flood. be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for a live look at the area today. #coachellavalley #weather #flood #indiohills #weather
This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager
“WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?” Why won’t CVUSD just open the books? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #cvusd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🌧️ Flash flooding swept across parts of the Coachella Valley overnight, leaving vehicles stranded and roads closed. CHP and emergency crews responded as water, rocks and debris impacted roadways in Indio Hills and along Dillon Road. Drivers in that area are urged to use alternate routes.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Who’s your baseball team?
Salton city resident Abraham Feinbloom is expected to take a plea deal in the murder case of 17 year old T’Neya Tovar. Under the plea deal obtained by the Imperial County Criminal Courthouse, Feinbloom will plead guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. According to court records, he is also expected to assist law enforcement in finding the rest of the victim’s remains. Our @newsbyalondra will be inside the courtroom for his official sentencing Tuesday, September 29th with the very latest.
“Of you can’t find things out as a Board President… then what are they hiding?” Why is the elected board president being blocked from financial records? Drop your thoughts below👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #coachella #localnews #nbcpalmsprings