Trump Announces Two-Year Closure of Kennedy Center for Renovations

Mon Feb 02 2026 09:58:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Kennedy Center will undergo significant renovations starting July 4, 2026, as announced by President Trump. The closure coincides with the nation's 250th anniversary.

President Trump revealed that the renowned Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. will close for two years beginning July 4, 2026, for extensive renovations aimed at revitalizing the venue. The changes follow controversies surrounding the center's recent renaming and cancellations of performances by various artists. Trump's administration has allocated over $250 million for the renovations, which he believes will enhance the facility's status in the performing arts world.

The Kennedy Center in Washington DC will be closed for a two-year renovation beginning in July, President Donald Trump has announced.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump stated the center would close on July 4 this year 'in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country'.

This announcement follows recent developments where several artists cancelled performances at the institution after it was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center.

Shortly after taking office, Trump replaced several board members of the center with allies, leading to his election as chairman. In December, the revamped board decided to rename the institution the Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, with new signage quickly appearing on the building's facade.

Following the name change, prominent performers, including Steven Schwartz, composer of the musical Wicked, cancelled planned appearances at the center.

Recently, the venue showcased a premiere screening of a documentary about first lady Melania Trump.

Trump has stated that there would be a 'scheduled grand reopening' following the renovations, which he claims are fully financed. He expressed confidence that a temporary closure would allow for a superior renovation process, stating, 'The Trump Kennedy Center, if temporarily closed for construction, revitalization, and complete rebuilding, can be, without question, the finest performing arts facility of its kind, anywhere in the world.'

However, the center’s name change has sparked legal challenges, with some lawmakers asserting that Congress should be involved due to the original 1964 legislation that established the Kennedy Center. In response, Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty has filed a lawsuit seeking to restore its original name.

Critics, including family members of the late President John F. Kennedy, also voiced their disapproval. Joe Kennedy III, a former member of the House of Representatives, noted that the center serves as 'a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law.'

In conclusion, while the upcoming renovations indicate a significant development for the Kennedy Center, the ongoing controversy surrounding its name and administration continues to pose challenges.