Trump Proposes Two-Year Shutdown of Kennedy Center for Major Renovation Project
President Donald Trump declared on Sunday his intention to close Washington's iconic Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for two years, beginning this July, to facilitate extensive construction work. This announcement marks the latest in a series of controversial moves by the president regarding the historic venue since his return to the White House.
Social Media Announcement Follows Wave of Artist Cancellations
Trump's statement, made via social media, comes after numerous leading performers, musicians, and arts groups have canceled appearances at the center. These cancellations followed the president's ousting of previous leadership and his decision to add his name to the building. Notably, Trump's post made no reference to these recent withdrawals by artists.
The proposal was announced just days after the premiere of "Melania," a documentary about the first lady, was shown at the center. Trump indicated that the closure plan is subject to approval by the Kennedy Center's board, which has been populated with his allies. The president himself chairs the center's board of trustees.
Claims of Disrepair and Changing Promises
In his social media post, Trump wrote: "This important decision, based on input from many Highly Respected Experts, will take a tired, broken, and dilapidated Center, one that has been in bad condition, both financially and structurally for many years, and turn it into a World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment."
However, neither Trump nor Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, a Trump ally, have provided concrete evidence to substantiate claims about the building's alleged disrepair. This announcement represents a reversal from last October, when Trump had pledged that the center would remain open during any renovation work.
Kennedy Center Leadership Defends Temporary Closure
Grenell defended the decision in his own statement, citing congressional funds approved for repairs. "Our goal has always been to not only save and permanently preserve the Center, but to make it the finest Arts Institution in the world," he wrote.
He characterized the closure as "brief" and argued that "it desperately needs this renovation and temporarily closing the Center just makes sense - it will enable us to better invest our resources, think bigger and make the historic renovations more comprehensive. It also means we will be finished faster." The center is scheduled to close on July 4th, when Trump stated construction would commence.
Historical Significance and Growing Backlash
The sudden decision to shutter and reconstruct the Kennedy Center has generated significant controversy. The venue began as a national cultural center but was renamed by Congress in 1964 as a "living memorial" to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination. Opened in 1971, it operates year-round as a public showcase for the arts, hosting the National Symphony Orchestra among other performances.
Since Trump's return to the White House, the Kennedy Center represents just one of many Washington landmarks he has sought to overhaul during his second term. Other projects include:
- Demolition of the East Wing of the White House
- A massive $400 million ballroom project
- Plans for a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial
- Renovation plans for Washington Dulles International Airport
Artist Exodus and Internal Turmoil
Leading performing arts groups have withdrawn from appearances at the Kennedy Center. Most recently, composer Philip Glass announced his decision to withdraw his Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln," stating that the values of the center today are in "direct conflict" with the message of his piece.
Last month, the Washington National Opera announced it would move performances away from the Kennedy Center in another high-profile departure following Trump's takeover of the capital's premier performing arts venue. Additionally, the head of artistic programming for the center abruptly left his position last week, less than two weeks after being appointed to the role.
Political and Family Opposition
The closure announcement follows previous controversy over Trump's decision to rename the building, placing his name ahead of Kennedy's on the main facade. This move drew sharp opposition from members of Congress and some Kennedy family members.
Kerry Kennedy, a niece of John F. Kennedy, previously stated on social media that she would remove Trump's name herself with a pickax when his term ends. Another family member, Maria Shriver, called the renaming "beyond comprehension" and "beyond wild."
Late Sunday evening, Shriver posted a new comment mimicking Trump's voice and style, suggesting the closure was meant to deflect from the cancellations. She noted that "entertainers are canceling left and right" and that the president had determined "since the name change no one wants to perform there any longer." She questioned whether Trump's solution was "to close this center down and rebuild a new center" that would bear his name.
Congressional Concerns and Legal Challenges
Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat and ex-officio trustee of the center's board, sued in December, arguing that "only Congress has the authority to rename the Kennedy Center." On Sunday, Beatty stated that Trump "has acted with total disregard for Congress," which allocates funds to the center.
She questioned what would come next for artists and the building itself: "Let's be clear: remodeling the premises will not restore the Kennedy Center to what it was. A return to artistic independence will. America's artists are rejecting this attempted takeover, and the administration knows it."
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center could not immediately be reached for comment on the closure announcement.
