On Monday, President Donald Trump announced plans to temporarily close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for approximately two years to facilitate extensive renovations. Citing the necessity of shutting down the venue to avoid interruptions from patrons, Trump emphasized that he is “not ripping it down,” but intends to utilize the existing structure and materials for the overhaul.
During a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump conveyed confidence in the project, indicating that the renovations would not only enhance the physical structure but also allow for the “highest-grade everything” in materials, costing around $200 million. He described the current state of the building as "run down," "dilapidated," and "sort of dangerous," urging that immediate action was essential for its preservation.
The announcement followed a series of cancellations by prominent performers at the Kennedy Center since Trump took over leadership there. The Kennedy Center Arts Workers United, a coalition of unions representing staff at the institution, stated they were informed of Trump’s plans yet had not received any formal notification regarding the impending closure. They vowed to protect their members' rights amid the transition and demand continued fair pay and accountability for any disruptions to their work.
Trump also highlighted that Congress had earmarked $257 million in funds for the Kennedy Center as part of a tax cut and spending bill he signed last summer. The scope of the renovation work will encompass various systems, including structural integrity, heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection, as well as improvements to the building's exterior and security measures. A Kennedy Center spokesperson, Roma Daravi, attributed the urgent need for renovations to “decades of gross negligence,” amounting to $250 million in deferred maintenance.
Previously, Trump had replaced board members at the Kennedy Center with loyalists who subsequently elected him as chairman. The president's involvement in shaping the institution extended to influencing the selection of recipients for the Kennedy Center Honors, which he actively participated in after initially avoiding during his first term. Recently, there were discussions to rebrand the Kennedy Center by incorporating Trump's name into the building and its online presence.
In terms of logistics, Trump stated the closure would begin on July 4, pending board approval, as the previous plan to keep the center open during construction was now deemed impractical. He expressed optimism that the renovations would result in a facility “far better than it ever was” and devoid of the interruptions caused by visitors during such operations.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, criticized Trump’s planned closure as part of what he termed a “demolition tour of Washington.” He plans to investigate the Kennedy Center's financial management further, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Trump’s handling of the institution. The Kennedy Center, which opened its doors in 1971, remains a significant landmark that Trump aims to overhaul as part of broader initiatives within his second term in the presidency.
