US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, February 1, he is closing the Kennedy Center for two years for a thorough renovation, as the storied Washington arts complex struggles with declining ticket sales and a backlash from performers. The closure, he said, would begin on July 4, the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Since returning to office, Trump has launched a forceful takeover of the once non-partisan center, branding some of its programming too “woke” and adding his own name to the facade.
“I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur, is to cease Entertainment Operations for an approximately two-year period of time,” Trump, who is the center’s chairman of the board, posted on his Truth Social platform. The decision, he said, will be subject to approval of the board, which he handpicked upon taking over as chairman last year.
The Washington National Opera recently announced it would leave the Kennedy Center, its home since the center’s opening more than 50 years ago. Some have directly cited Trump’s name being added to the institution and its facade, while others have noted logistical or financial pressures. The change of name at the center – a project established by Congress – did not receive the required approval from US lawmakers.
A staff shakeup has occurred as well. Kevin Couch was announced on January 16 as the center’s new senior vice president of artistic planning. By Wednesday, he had resigned, National Public Radio reported.
How the fuck is he in charge of this place.
For years presidents never messed with it. How come he gets to.
Because Republicans are responsible for enforcing rules and laws. But laws are only to protect them and bind you.
He gets everything he wants. He’s just a spoiled rich asshole. The worst kind of person
The construction industry is corrupt to begin with. Trump is taking that to a whole new level. The Ballroom. The Triumphant Arch. The “Gaza”. Now the Kennedy Center (yes…Kennedy). I guess next he’ll commission a perpendicular top for the Washington monument, turning it into a big letter “T”. Once done then on to Mount Rushmore.
Wouldn’t one typically renovate first and then reveal the name change when the renovations are complete?
Obviously I get the real reason this is such a cluster fuck is because no one will perform there anyway, but… this whole presidency is such a cluster fuck. If the right was determined to do a fascism, I’m so fucking glad they are led by the stupidest person possible. His idiocy is the only thing standing between us and a much greater darkness.
He’s embarrassed that no one wants to play at “his” theater.
Closing the Kennedy Center for a “thorough renovation,” like the east wing of the White House. He’s going to tear it down.
Artists can’t cancel events when there is no events, big brain move right there.
The demise continues… The proverbial wrecking ball has been announced.
he is closing the Kennedy Center for two years for a thorough renovation
For many years, the performing arts facility had suffered from an alarming lack of gilded bas-reliefs of Trump.
It will be very very shiny when it’s done.
Ministry of truth at work…
