Kennedy Center says it's on the brink of bankruptcy, might close as early as Tuesday

Fresh Air Wild Card with Rachel Martin It's Been a Minute Embedded Get NPR+ More Podcasts & Shows Search Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions About NPR Diversity Support Careers Press Ethics Kennedy Center says it’s on the brink of bankruptcy, might close as early as Tuesday In two board resolutions made public Monday, the arts institution says it is in a dire financial and physical state — and that only President Trump can "rescue" it. Performing Arts Kennedy Center says it's on the brink of bankruptcy, might close as early as Tuesday Updated September 14, 20265:38 PM ET Originally published September 14, 20262:25 PM ET Heard on Morning Edition Anastasia Tsioulcas Workers build scaffolding on The Kennedy Center on June 12, 2026. Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption On Sunday evening, the Washington Post reported that the Kennedy Center administration told its board that the arts institution is on the brink of bankruptcy — and that it might be forced to close as soon as Tuesday. Both the majority of the center's administration and board were selected by President Trump. The document detailing this plan, which NPR has obtained, was issued ahead of a board meeting slated for Tuesday. That's the same day as a status hearing set by Judge Christopher Cooper, who is overseeing the federal lawsuit brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty to stop renaming of the center to honor Trump last December. The Democrat from Ohio is an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board. The status meeting previously scheduled by Cooper is essentially to set more deadlines and court dates. But critics of the Kennedy Center's administration said the timing of this report may not be a coincidence. Culture How would a Kennedy Center shutdown impact artists and audiences? On Monday, Beatty submitted to the court two proposed resolutions from the board's packet. In these documents, the board calls the center "unsafe for continued occupancy." Beatty claims that the construction consultants brought in by the board have never said any such thing. The second resolution states: "The Kennedy Center is in such a precarious fiscal position that it will not be able to support its payroll obligations, nor routine maintenance contracts within a matter of weeks." In the meantime, most of the center's staff have either been fired or departed, but those who remain are largely loyal to President Trump. Most of the Kennedy Center board was handpicked by the president, who now serves as its chairman. Culture Former Kennedy Center president refutes Trump's critique of 'bad management' Performing Arts Here's who's canceled their Kennedy Center performances since Trump took over On Sept. 5, the center's administration said that a portion of the ceiling in the main building's grand foyer collapsed due to rain damage. The Kennedy Center's argument regarding the institution's financials are that the center is in dire shape, and that President Trump is the only person who can fundraise at such a massive scale or successfully oversee such an extensive renovation project – and as such, he deserves his name to be on the building, just like how big donors at hospitals and universities, for example, get to see their names on prominent display. Performing Arts Kennedy Center leaders offer behind-the-scenes tour to explain need for closure The Kennedy Center did not respond to NPR's requests for comment on Monday. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — whose wife, Allison Lutnick, was named to the Kennedy Center board in Feb. 2025 — made that argument last month outside of a court hearing in the Beatty suit. Lutnick said: "Basically, it would cost four or $500 million if you do it over time or it'll cost $257 million if President Trump is the construction manager. He has the power and he has the expertise to get this done. He is the greatest builder in the world. And he will get it done on time and on budget." Culture Kennedy Center must pay $250,000 in legal fees to musician who canceled in protest Nevertheless, the institution faces real challenges. Large, legacy, not-for-profit institutions like the Kennedy Center generally depend on a balance of earned revenue, philanthropic giving and some amount of government grants. The last president of the Kennedy Center, former Ambassador Richard Grenell, tried to insist that every performance be revenue-generating or at least revenue-neutral. Its current president and CEO, Matt Floca, was elevated from his position as head of facilities for the Kennedy Center. He has no experience in artistic direction, fundraising or arts administration, unlike his peers at similar centers across the country. No one else on the board has any known experience with similar performing arts institutions, either. Both artists and audiences have fled the Kennedy Center over the past year plus, saying that it's become politicized under Trump. Its live event calendar is a small fraction of what it used to be. Donations have also dried up. It's unclear whether or not Trump's further imprimatur would change the situation. NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews. Anyone who makes such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent NPR. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor