US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he plans to close Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for two years from 4 July — the United States’ 250th anniversary — to carry out an extensive renovation.
Since returning to office, Trump has moved aggressively to take control of the formerly non-partisan institution, criticising some of its programming as overly “woke” and adding his own name to the building’s façade.
“I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of success, beauty and grandeur is to cease entertainment operations for an approximately two-year period,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Trump, who serves as chairman of the centre’s board, said the decision would still require approval from the board, which he appointed after assuming the role.
He argued that continuing to host concerts, operas, musicals, ballet performances and interactive arts events would hinder construction work, making a full temporary closure necessary.
“The Trump Kennedy Center, if temporarily closed for construction, revitalisation and complete rebuilding, can be, without question, the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” he said.
“America will be very proud of its new and beautiful landmark for generations to come.”
The scope of the “complete rebuilding” referred to by Trump remains unclear. However, he has long argued that the complex — built as a living memorial to assassinated US President John F Kennedy and opened in 1971 — is outdated and in need of major refurbishment.
Since the overhaul of the board and Trump’s installation as chairman, several prominent artists and productions have withdrawn from the venue. These include the musical Hamilton, operatic soprano Renée Fleming and acclaimed composer Philip Glass.
The Washington National Opera has also announced plans to leave the Kennedy Center, which has been its home since the venue opened.
Some departures have been explicitly linked to Trump’s personal branding of the institution and the addition of his name to the façade, while others have cited logistical or financial concerns.
