President Donald Trump has announced that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., will close for two years starting this July for extensive renovations, a move that follows his recent takeover and renaming of the institution which sparked a wave of artist cancellations.
Trump made the announcement on Sunday via his Truth Social platform, stating that the center, now renamed the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, will shut down on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the nation’s 250th anniversary. He cited the need for “construction, revitalization, and complete rebuilding” to transform it into a world-class facility. The president claimed that the renovations had already been financed, with Congress allocating over $250 million for the project, which he had lobbied for earlier.
This decision comes amid significant controversy surrounding Trump’s involvement with the Kennedy Center. Shortly after returning to the White House, he ousted several board members and installed allies, leading to a vote that added his name to the center’s title in December 2025. New signage was promptly added to the building’s facade, and since then, numerous artists and performing groups have canceled engagements in protest, including composer Stephen Schwartz and the Washington National Opera.
Trump and his appointed Kennedy Center president, Ric Grenell, have argued that the venue is in disrepair both structurally and financially, necessitating the closure for renovations. However, they have not provided concrete evidence to support these claims, and last October, Trump had pledged that the center would remain open during any upgrades. Grenell emphasized that a temporary closure would allow for more comprehensive renovations and a faster completion timeline.
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Members of the Kennedy family, including Kerry Kennedy and Maria Shriver, have denounced the renaming and closure plans, with Shriver suggesting that the move is an attempt to deflect from the artist cancellations. In December, Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty filed a lawsuit arguing that only Congress has the authority to rename the center, as it was established by federal law in 1964 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Legal and political challenges are mounting. Beatty has condemned Trump’s actions as disregarding Congressional authority, and other lawmakers have expressed concerns over the appropriation of funds for the renovations. The center’s status as a “living memorial” adds emotional weight to the dispute, with advocates warning that remodeling the building will not restore its artistic independence or reputation.
Broader context includes Trump’s other ambitious projects in Washington during his second term, such as demolishing parts of the White House and planning new monuments. The Kennedy Center closure is seen as part of his efforts to reshape the capital’s landmarks, but it risks alienating the arts community further. Recent high-profile cancellations, like that of composer Philip Glass, highlight the ongoing cultural backlash.
Looking ahead, the center is set to close on July 4, with plans for a grand reopening after two years. However, the path forward is fraught with legal battles and potential continued artist boycotts. The outcome may hinge on court decisions and political developments, as stakeholders debate the balance between preservation, renovation, and the center’s original purpose as a tribute to President Kennedy.
