A view of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on October 1, 2026. A national cultural institution for more than five decades, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington faces an uncertain future after President Donald Trump threatened to demolish the building unless his name is restored to it. The complex's main building has been shuttered since mid September -- temporarily, according to its leadership -- while a judge is also reviewing plans for a long-term closure to accommodate Trump's desired renovations of the aging facility (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)