President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington will be closing entertainment operations for two years to undergo what he calls a “complete rebuilding”.
Trump, who wrote on Truth Social that the decision is “totally subject” to approval by his handpicked board, said that the center will close on July 4 and that “financing is completed, and fully in place.” He did not elaborate on the source of the funding.
“The Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex. Financing is completed, and fully in place!” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Trump’s announcement or what would happen to the center’s existing programming.
Trump has called the Kennedy Center “tired, broken, and dilapidated,” adding that it “has been in bad condition, both financially and structurally, for many years.” This comes although the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary was held last week.
The president has taken a special interest in the Kennedy Center since taking office a year ago. He replaced the center’s board with a handpicked set of members who named him chair and changed the center’s programming, including removing Pride events.
Late last year, the board moved to rename the center to include Trump’s name. The signs in front were changed just one day later.
Since the renaming, a flurry of artists have canceled their appearances at the center, including the composer of the hit musical “Wicked,” Stephen Schwartz, who dropped out from hosting a gala for the Washington National Opera. The opera has since left the center, where it had performed since 1971.
Despite Leavitt and Trump’s claims that he has rescued the building financially, the Washington Post reported in late October that ticket sales have plummeted since Trump’s takeover.
Several high-profile artists and shows have canceled appearances at the venue since Trump became its leader, including actress Issa Rae and the Broadway show “Hamilton.”
