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.
For many years, the performing arts facility had suffered from an alarming lack of gilded bas-reliefs of Trump.