President Donald Trump’s allies on the institution’s board are advancing physical changes intended to commemorate him, escalating a dispute over the future of the nation’s premier performing arts venue.
The board’s actions have intensified tensions over whether the center should be renamed, redesigned or otherwise altered to reflect Trump’s influence.
Critics argue that such changes could undermine the institution’s longstanding identity and politicize a cultural landmark created through federal legislation.
The moves may also conflict with a federal court order governing changes to the Kennedy Center, raising questions about whether the board can proceed without further judicial review.
Supporters of Trump say the president deserves recognition for reshaping the center’s leadership and direction.
The dispute now places the board, the court and the administration on a collision course, with the outcome likely to determine how much political control a president can exert over the institution’s public image and operations.