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President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he has determined the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts should close for roughly two years to undergo extensive renovations, a move that would temporarily shut down one of the nation’s most prominent cultural institutions.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the closure, which he said would begin July 4, is “totally subject” to approval by the Kennedy Center’s board — a board he reconstituted with handpicked members after returning to office last year. Trump, who was subsequently named chair, said financing for the project is “completed, and fully in place,” though he did not specify the source of the funding.
The White House did not immediately respond to questions about how the renovations would be paid for or whether Congress had been consulted.
Two-year shutdown proposed
Trump said the decision followed a review involving “Contractors, Musical Experts, Art Institutions, and other Advisors and Consultants,” who weighed whether renovations should proceed while the center remained open or require a full closure.
According to Trump, shutting down operations entirely would “produce a much faster and higher quality result,” allowing the Kennedy Center to reopen as “the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind,” capped by what he described as a “Grand Reopening.”
Trump called the Kennedy Center “tired, broken, and dilapidated,” saying it has been in poor condition “both financially and structurally for many years.” The venue hosted the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary last week.
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s announcement, the board’s position or what would happen to existing programming, contracts and staff during a prolonged closure.
Congressional pushback
The announcement drew swift criticism from Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board, who said Trump acted without proper congressional consultation.
“The Kennedy Center is congressionally funded, and Congress should have been consulted about any decision to shut down its operations or make major renovations, especially for two years,” Beatty said in a statement. She questioned the fate of employees, artists and organizations with contractual agreements tied to the venue.
“And let’s be clear: remodeling the premises won’t restore the Kennedy Center to what it was,” Beatty added. “But a return to artistic independence will.”
Beatty previously sued the administration after the board voted to rename the institution to include Trump’s name, arguing the move was unlawful because the Kennedy Center was established by federal statute. The new name was affixed to the building’s facade last year — placed before President John F. Kennedy’s name — drawing backlash from Kennedy family members and lawmakers.
Cultural fallout
Since Trump’s takeover of the board and programming changes — including the removal of Pride-related events — a number of artists have canceled appearances at the center.
Among them was Stephen Schwartz, the composer of the musical “Wicked,” who withdrew from hosting a gala for the Washington National Opera. The opera company has since departed the Kennedy Center, ending a residency that began in 1971.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the Kennedy Center was mismanaged and in dire need of repair. Some renovation work was already underway before his latest announcement.
Trump’s personal involvement
Trump made his first visit to the Kennedy Center this term on March 17, attending a board meeting and touring the facility. Speaking to reporters from the President’s Box, he said sweeping changes were planned.
“We are going to make a lot of changes, including the seats, the decor, pretty much everything,” Trump said at the time. “Needs a lot of work.”
During a Kennedy Center Board dinner in May, Trump again touted his role in reshaping the institution.
“I don’t know what the hell they were doing, but they spent a lot of money, and it’s just not possible that they could have spent it so poorly,” he said. “But we’re going to turn it around.”
After announcing the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees, Trump took another tour of the venue. A photo posted by White House aide Margo Martin showed Trump standing on the concert hall stage, with the caption: “President @realDonaldTrump tours the Kennedy Center to discuss renovations.”
During the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in December, Trump said money raised during the event would be directed toward renovation efforts.
“We raised a lot of money tonight, tremendous, record numbers of dollars,” Trump said. “A lot of money.”
