Judge presses White House over plan to keep Kennedy Center open

Published June 17, 2026 11:24am ET



The federal judge who ordered President Donald Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center is now seeking details on how the institution plans to remain open to the public during its planned renovation project.

In a brief order issued Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper directed the Kennedy Center to submit a status report by June 19 outlining its construction plans, any board actions related to the project, and how the center intends to continue operating during renovations.

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