Overview
- Trump and first lady Melania Trump took in “Chicago” at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday, drawing both applause and boos from the crowd.
- The Kennedy Center plans to close for roughly two years starting July 5 for renovations approved by a Trump-appointed board at about $250 million.
- Managers told staff last week that layoffs are coming before the shutdown, with 75 to 175 of roughly 300 jobs at risk.
- Hours earlier, a federal judge paused work on the proposed White House ballroom, ruling Trump must seek approval from Congress because he is not the building’s owner.
- Since 2025, Trump has replaced the center’s leadership and added his name to the venue, drawing artist cancellations and lawsuits over the renaming and planned closure.