US Kennedy Center faces bankruptcy, Washington Post reports

What the report says

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, is facing a severe financial crisis and could be forced to close its main building as soon as Tuesday, according to a Washington Post report cited by Al Jazeera. The report says the center’s board of trustees, chaired by President Donald Trump, believes the institution is approaching “certain fiscal collapse” and may not be able to pay staff or cover maintenance costs in the coming weeks.

A 57-page board report prepared ahead of a special meeting on Tuesday says trustees are weighing both the center’s finances and the condition of the building, which needs major renovation. Board members are reportedly recommending that the main building be shut immediately because of the cost burden. The Post also reported that Trump’s involvement could help the center if his name is formally acknowledged in the venue’s branding.

According to the article, the crisis follows months of leadership upheaval and legal disputes after Trump installed himself as chairman during his second term. His hand-picked board later voted to rename the venue the “Trump-Kennedy” Center, though that move was blocked in court. The center has also seen some artists cancel performances, and media reports have linked the turmoil to weaker ticket sales. A center spokesperson blamed the situation on prior financial mismanagement and said Trump’s name had drawn new donors.

The Kennedy Center, one of the best-known performing arts institutions in the US capital, was originally named for President John F. Kennedy.