US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the Kennedy Center will be shutting down for two years starting July 4, America’s 250th anniversary, for extensive renovations amid declining ticket sales and performer boycotts. Trump, who recently became chairman and added his name to the building, claims the closure is necessary to transform it into the world’s finest performing arts facility.Since taking control of the once non-partisan center, Trump has criticised its programming as too “woke” and made significant changes to its leadership. He announced the decision on Truth Social, stating that entertainment operations must cease to allow for construction and renovation work.
“After a one year review of The Trump Kennedy Center, that has taken place with Contractors, Musical Experts, Art Institutions, and other Advisors and Consultants, deciding between either Construction with Closure and Re-Opening or, Partial Construction while continuing Entertainment Operations through a much longer period of time, working in and around the Performances, I have determined that The Trump Kennedy Center, if temporarily closed for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding, can be, without question, the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World,” declared Trump on Truth Social, though the exact scope of renovations remains unclear. “In other words, if we don’t close, the quality of Construction will not be nearly as good, and the time to completion, because of interruptions with Audiences from the many Events using the Facility, will be much longer. The temporary closure will produce a much faster and higher quality result!” he added.Further announcing the 2-year shutdown, he added, “Based on these findings, and totally subject to Board approval, 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 of time, with a scheduled Grand Reopening that will rival and surpass anything that has taken place with respect to such a Facility before.“Claiming that the Centre is in need of renovations, Trump also said, “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! 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, far better than it has ever been before. America will be very proud of its new and beautiful Landmark for many generations to come. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”The announcement has sparked widespread speculation about the center’s financial health. Maria Shriver, a Kennedy family member, pointed out that many artists are refusing to perform there, as reported by AFP. Notable cancellations include “Hamilton,” Renee Fleming, and Philip Glass. The Washington National Opera has also decided to leave after more than 50 years.The controversial name change, which didn’t receive required congressional approval, has triggered significant backlash. The center’s leadership has also seen upheaval, with newly appointed Senior Vice President Kevin Couch resigning just days after taking the position.Recent data shows the center struggling significantly. According to The Washington Post, ticket sales have hit their lowest levels since the pandemic. The December Kennedy Center awards ceremony saw television viewership drop 25 percent from 2024, reaching a record low according to Nielsen ratings.
