President Trump arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday after returning from a trip to Florida. He says he will move to close the Kennedy Center for two years for renovations.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
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Mark Schiefelbein/AP
In a surprising move, President Trump announced on Sunday his intention to shut down the Kennedy Center for a two-year period starting in July for renovations. This marks another significant shift for the famed performing arts venue since Trump resumed his position at the White House.
Trump’s announcement came via social media and follows a series of cancellations from high-profile artists and organizations. These cancellations have occurred since the president removed the previous leadership and associated his name with the building, though Trump’s post did not address these cancellations.
Trump’s proposal, made shortly after the center showcased the documentary Melania about the first lady, is pending approval from the Kennedy Center’s board, which consists of individuals selected by Trump himself. The president also serves as the chair of the board.
“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,” Trump stated in his post.
No concrete evidence has been provided by Trump or Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, a supporter of Trump, regarding the building’s alleged poor condition.
This abrupt decision is likely to generate controversy as it alters the trajectory of the beloved venue, originally established as a national cultural hub and later renamed by Congress in 1964 as a “living memorial” to President John F. Kennedy. The center, which launched in 1971, remains open year-round, featuring performances by the National Symphony Orchestra among others.
Since re-entering the White House, Trump has aimed to leave his mark on several Washington landmarks. His projects include demolishing the White House’s East Wing for a $400 million ballroom, proposing a triumphal arch near the Arlington Bridge, and planning developments for Washington Dulles International Airport.
Numerous arts organizations have withdrawn from the Kennedy Center, with composer Philip Glass being the latest to do so. Glass canceled his Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln,” citing a clash between the center’s current values and the piece’s message.
Recently, the Washington National Opera declared its intention to relocate performances, joining a growing list of entities distancing themselves from the venue under Trump’s influence.
The head of artistic programming at the center resigned unexpectedly last week, only days into the role.
The Kennedy Center has not issued a comment in response to inquiries.
Trump’s plan to rename the Kennedy Center, including displaying his name prominently on its facade, has been met with opposition from some Congressional members and Kennedy family descendants.
Kerry Kennedy, President Kennedy’s niece, expressed her disapproval on social media, stating she would personally remove Trump’s name from the building once his term concludes.
