President Trump said on Truth Social that the Kennedy Center will be closed for renovations for two years starting July 4, 2026. The announcement came days after a documentary film about his wife, Melania, debuted at the Kennedy Center. Protesters stood outside the Kennedy Center the evening of the film debut, some dressed as Marie Antoinette.
In recent weeks, a number of artists have canceled performances at the Kennedy Center to protest Trump including Philip Glass, Renée Fleming, and others. Trump has since been accused of “driving the Kennedy Center into the ground.”
Trump said in the Oval Office today “I’ll be using the steel” and “we’re using the structure” of the Kennedy Center, after assuring reporters it wouldn’t be a full teardown. “We’re using some of the marble, and some of the marble comes down, but when it’s open, it’ll be brand new and really beautiful,” Trump said. “We’re going to have all brand-new air conditioning, heating.”
After July 4, Trump said “we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex [sic].” He affirmed “financing is completed, and fully in place!” but didn’t specify donors, or share renovation plans; the project cost is $200 million. Trump said “contractors, musical experts, art institutions, and other advisors and consultants” weighed into the decision to renovate the performing arts center.
Critics were quick to respond. Docomomo US executive director Liz Waytkus told AN, “In addition to being a beloved cultural institution honoring the life and legacy of our 35th President, the Kennedy Center is a celebrated work of Modern architecture and a landmark achievement by master architect Edward Durell Stone.”
“Docomomo US remains deeply concerned by the ongoing lack of adherence to the regulatory processes that govern federally owned properties. Sites such as the Kennedy Center belong to the public and must be stewarded transparently, not treated as private assets,” Waytkus added, before affirming Docomomo is “joining with like-minded organizations to assert the public’s right to review and participate in decisions affecting these nationally significant places.”
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who sued Trump for renaming the Kennedy Center, said in a statement, “The Kennedy Center is congressionally funded, and Congress should have been consulted about any decision to shut down its operations or make major renovations, especially for two years.”
“Countless employees, artists, and others likely have existing contracts and agreements with the Center,” Beatty added. “What happens to them? Has Trump or his handpicked Board given any consideration to their livelihoods or futures? This is exactly why congressional oversight is so important.”
Norm Eisen, of Democracy Defenders Action, and the Washington Litigation Group’s Nathaniel Zelinsky, are supporting Beatty’s lawsuit. In a joint statement, Eisen and Zelinsky said the advocacy groups are taking legal and legislative measures.
This article was updated later on February 2.
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