Overview
- The performing arts center, which alerted staff in an email Wednesday night, began layoffs Thursday across programming, development, marketing and the president’s office.
- Executive vice president Rick Loughery and vice president Nick Meade were let go, and new chief Matt Floca, previously head of facilities, told staff more personnel decisions will follow.
- Leadership plans a two-year closure starting in July to execute a $257 million renovation funded by last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- Draft budget documents filed in court outline major work including plaza and roof waterproofing, garage repairs, HVAC and piping upgrades, electrical improvements, new seating, restroom refreshes and venue updates led by a $23 million Concert Hall project.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty has asked a federal judge to halt the shutdown and undo the renaming to include Trump’s name, arguing required reviews never happened, while preservation groups filed a separate suit; artists like Philip Glass and the Washington National Opera have already canceled or moved shows.