# Kennedy Center says: Trump's name or bankruptcy

> The board says the arts center runs out of money in weeks unless Trump's name goes on the marble facade.
- Title: Kennedy Center says: Trump's name or bankruptcy · ABC News
- Summary: The board says the arts center runs out of money in weeks unless Trump's name goes on the marble facade. The Kennedy Center's board is telling a federal…
- Keywords: kennedy center, trump, arts funding, courts, washington, news, Kennedy, Center, Trump's, name, bankruptcy, ABC News
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/Politics/kennedy-center-warns-bankruptcy-trumps-added-building-court/story?id=136428259
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: kennedy center, trump, arts funding, courts, washington, news
## Name it or lose it
The Kennedy Center's board is set to vote on adding President Trump's name to the building facade, arguing the arts center collapses financially without it.

> certain fiscal collapse within weeks
## Weeks from missing payroll
The resolution says the center cannot cover payroll or routine maintenance contracts within a matter of weeks if the tribute does not happen.

> will not be able to support its payroll obligations, nor routine maintenance contracts within a matter of weeks
## Ten ways to say thanks
The resolution hands the board ten options for placing Trump's name on the marble facade, all of them under the Kennedy Center name.
## No name, no rescue
Without that recognition, the board says Trump is unlikely to oversee the renovation or lead the financial rescue of the center.

> The Board understands that without such appropriate recognition it is unlikely that President Trump will provide the fundamental oversight
## A judge already said no
The board voted to add Trump's name in December. A federal judge ordered it removed in May, and Judge Christopher Cooper is now weighing whether this new tribute defies that order.
## Shut the doors for two years
A second resolution would close the main building for a $285 million renovation. The board already approved that closure 23-3 last month.
## The ceiling fell in
A chunk of the Grand Foyer ceiling came down during heavy rain in the D.C. area. The board cites it as proof the building is unsafe for patrons and staff.

> the risk associated with exposing patrons and employees to a hazardous building greatly outweighs any reputational risk
## Who pays for the fix
Congress already appropriated $257 million for the renovation. The board argues Trump would raise another $100 million on top of that.
## The demolition threat
Last month the Justice Department warned that without Trump's support the center could decay into a structure that has to be torn down, replaced by an outdoor amphitheater.

> Such a replacement will fail to adequately honor President John F. Kennedy, but would be simpler and more economical to build
## A race against the clock
Rep. Joyce Beatty, whose lawsuit has blocked the renaming so far, wants the judge to intervene before the board votes. Cooper's conference is set for 10 a.m., the board meets at 12:30.

> another vote to shut down the Kennedy Center
## Key takeaway

The Kennedy Center's board is telling a federal judge that the institution's survival now depends on honoring Trump on the building.