Washington: United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to shut down the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts for nearly two years beginning in July, citing the need for large-scale renovation and rebuilding of the iconic cultural venue.
The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes with mounting controversy and a wave of high-profile cancellations by artists following his takeover as chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board.
Trump stated that, “I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Centre to the highest level of success, beauty, and grandeur is to cease entertainment operations for an approximately two-year period of time.”
The closure is set to begin on July 4, aligning with the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations. Trump said the move would still require approval from the Kennedy Centre board, whose members were selected by him after assuming the chairmanship.
According to the president, continuing concerts, operas, musicals, ballet performances, and interactive arts programmes would significantly slow down construction efforts, making a full shutdown necessary.
Trump remarked that, “If temporarily closed for construction, revitalisation, and complete rebuilding, the Trump Kennedy Centre can be, without question, the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” adding that the revamped venue would stand as a source of national pride for generations. There was no immediate response from Kennedy Centre officials.
Cultural backlash and performer withdrawals
The Kennedy Centre was established as a national cultural institution and redesignated by Congress in 1964 as a ‘living memorial’ to President John F Kennedy following his assassination. Opened in 1971, the centre has served as a year-round showcase for the arts and is home to the National Symphony Orchestra.
However, since Trump assumed control of the board, several prominent artists and organisations have withdrawn in protest, citing concerns over political influence and cultural direction.
Among those pulling out were the producers of the award-winning musical Hamilton, international operatic soprano Renée Fleming, and acclaimed composer Philip Glass, who cancelled a symphony performance dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. Glass said the current values of the centre were in ‘direct conflict’ with the message of his work.
The Washington National Opera has also announced plans to leave the Kennedy Centre, ending a relationship that dates back to the venue’s opening.
Trump has criticised some of the centre’s programming as overly ‘woke’, signalling a shift away from its traditionally non-partisan role.
Broader cultural reshaping
The scope of the complete rebuilding remains unclear, though Trump has previously described the structure as deteriorating and in need of a major facelift.
In a post on X, Maria Shriver, a niece of President John F Kennedy, appeared to criticise the move without naming Trump directly, suggesting the closure was a distraction as ‘no one wants to perform there any longer’.
The announcement follows a series of initiatives by Trump aimed at reshaping US cultural and historical landmarks. These include the demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for a $400 million ballroom project, proposals for a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial, and redevelopment plans linked to Washington Dulles International Airport.
Despite the controversy, the Kennedy Centre recently hosted the premiere of First Lady Melania Trump’s documentary, which reportedly achieved a record opening weekend at the box office but received largely negative reviews from critics.
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