The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC will cease entertainment operations for two years starting on 4 July, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social. The president said the closure would allow for renovations, describing the planned grand reopening as set to 'rival and surpass anything that has taken place before'.
The decision comes amid turmoil at the world-renowned venue since Trump orchestrated a leadership overhaul in February 2025, installing himself as chairman of the board. A wave of cancellations by performers including the Broadway producer of Hamilton, Issa Rae, and Rhiannon Giddens has followed, while ticket sales have hit their lowest level in years.
In his post, Trump claimed he had spent a year reviewing the venue, concluding that a full closure was the fastest route to achieving 'the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur'. He added that the changes would ensure the centre was 'not going to be woke', aligning with his earlier statements on reshaping the institution.
The Kennedy Center, which historically hosts more than 2,000 events annually, has seen high-profile resignations from its board, including television producer Shonda Rhimes and artistic advisers Renée Fleming and Ben Folds. In December, the Trump-appointed board voted to rename the venue the 'Trump-Kennedy Center', though the change requires congressional approval as it is legally designated a living memorial to the former president.
Further upheaval came in January when the Washington National Opera announced it would relocate after more than 40 years at the centre. An analysis of ticket sales from September to October last year found that 43% of seats for typical productions remained unsold, reflecting a sharp decline in audience demand.
