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'Your Tired Playbook Reeks of Incompetence': Broadway Reacts to Trump's Kennedy Center Shutdown
Donald Trump has announced a two-year shutdown of the storied John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, prompting fierce backlash from the Broadway community. The former president revealed his plans over the weekend, stating the iconic Washington D.C. venue would close for approximately two years beginning July 4th, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Artists Decry 'Massive Artistic Leadership Failings'
Theatre professionals have been quick to condemn the proposed closure, which would have a significant impact on the performing arts industry nationwide. Two-time Tony Award-nominated actor and singer Rob McClure delivered a blistering critique on Instagram, accusing Trump of attempting to cover up what he described as catastrophic management failures.
"Mr. President, We are not stupid you gaudy idiot," McClure wrote. "It's painfully obvious. To cover up your massive artistic leadership failings, complete collapse of ticket sales, and the fact that no respectable artist will go anywhere near any venue that you plaster your valueless, bankruptcy guarantee of a name on, you think you can close it for the rest of your term, throw marble and gold at it like you do with everything else you ruin, and reopen it right before you leave office to claim it as some massive success."
McClure continued his scathing assessment, adding: "Your tired playbook reeks of incompetence and your soul is as vacant as the seats have been in that once treasured American Institution. I can't wait to see the tarnished letters of your despised name thrown in dumpsters around the country when this passes." The actor signed off his message "with zero respect" from "artists of integrity."
Industry Professionals Voice Their Opposition
McClure's post garnered dozens of comments from theatre industry professionals and fans alike, revealing widespread concern about the potential closure. Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block, who performed in the Kennedy Center's 2023 production of Sunset Boulevard, commented: "It is already so beautiful. That is hallowed ground. Leave it alone."
Wicked alum and activist Alexandra Billings offered a more direct assessment: "He's not closing anything. No one likes him and will go within 109 feet of him." Meanwhile, Natalie Charlé Ellis, currently appearing on Broadway in Death Becomes Her, suggested the timing was suspicious: "Convenient it's when they aren't making any money and everyone is backing out..."
Background to the Controversial Takeover
Trump's closure threat comes just over a year after he dismissed several Kennedy Center board members and replaced them with his supporters. He was subsequently named chair of the institution and went so far as to add his own name to the venue's title, a move that has proven deeply controversial within artistic circles.
This takeover has prompted numerous theatrical productions, musicians and performing artists to withdraw from scheduled engagements at the Kennedy Center. Celebrated American composer Philip Glass, actor Issa Rae and musician Peter Wolf are among the latest high-profile figures to distance themselves from the venue following Trump's involvement.
The Kennedy Center's Vital Role in Theatre
The potential two-year closure would represent a significant blow to the theatre industry, given the Kennedy Center's influential role over the past decade. Multiple currently running and upcoming Broadway and off-Broadway shows originated at the venue through its Broadway Center Stage program, which was founded and helmed by producer Jeffrey Finn in 2018.
Productions including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Schmigadoon! were originally mounted at the Kennedy Center through this initiative. Finn was among many staff members who stepped down from their positions following Trump's takeover, and he commented with just a single word on McClure's post: "Broken."
Trump's Renovation Vision
Despite the widespread criticism, Trump has outlined ambitious plans for the venue's future. On his Truth Social platform, he stated that the Kennedy Center would reopen with a "scheduled Grand Reopening that will rival and surpass anything that has taken place with respect to such a Facility before." He emphasised that the move would be "totally subject to board approval," though this assurance has done little to placate concerned artists and industry professionals.
The proposed closure period would see the venue remain shuttered until 2028, creating uncertainty for performers, production teams and audiences who have long regarded the Kennedy Center as a cornerstone of American cultural life. As the debate continues, the Broadway community remains united in its criticism of what many perceive as a politically motivated decision that threatens artistic integrity and cultural heritage.
