US President Donald Trump has announced that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, will shut down for two years as part of what he calls a “complete rebuilding” of the iconic cultural landmark. The closure is set to begin on July 4, aligning with the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
Since returning to office, Trump has taken firm control of the historically non-partisan arts institution, criticizing parts of its programming as overly “woke” and reshaping its leadership. He has also added his name to the building’s facade, a move that has drawn both attention and controversy.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump, who now serves as chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board, said halting all performances is the fastest way to transform the venue into what he described as a world-class symbol of “Success, Beauty, and Grandeur.”
According to Trump, continuing concerts, operas, musicals, ballets, and other performances during construction would significantly slow renovation efforts. A full shutdown, he argued, is necessary to allow builders to work efficiently and safely. He emphasized that the decision will still require formal approval from the board, which he personally appointed after assuming the chairman role.
Trump has long criticized the condition of the Kennedy Center, calling the building outdated and in need of a major facelift. Opened in 1971 as a living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy, the center has been a cornerstone of American arts and culture for more than five decades.
However, the announcement has already had ripple effects across the arts world. Several high-profile artists and productions, including the musical Hamilton, acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming, and composer Philip Glass, have canceled planned appearances. The Washington National Opera has also announced plans to leave the Kennedy Center, ending a residency that dates back to the venue’s opening.
While some artists have openly objected to Trump’s involvement and the renaming of the institution, others have pointed to financial and logistical challenges created by the leadership changes and upcoming closure.
What exactly “complete rebuilding” entails remains unclear, but Trump insists the end result will be a transformed landmark that future generations of Americans can be proud of.
Beyond politics and policy, the Kennedy Center has always been more than a building. For decades, it has been a place where music, stories, and human emotion came together on one stage. As its lights prepare to go dark for two years, many artists and audiences are left wondering not just what the new Kennedy Center will look like, but what it will stand for when the curtain rises again.
