Overview
- Trump announced on Truth Social that the Washington arts complex would close for about two years for a “complete rebuilding,” beginning on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- He said a full shutdown was chosen over phased work to deliver a faster, higher-quality project and promised a “Grand Reopening” after construction.
- Trump asserts financing is “completed, and fully in place,” but neither the White House nor the Kennedy Center has provided details or verification.
- The announcement follows his board overhaul and rebranding that prompted cancellations by Philip Glass, Renée Fleming, Stephen Schwartz, Béla Fleck, and a “Hamilton” production, while the Washington National Opera has departed.
- The renaming faces legal and congressional challenges, including a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty and spending language using the original name, and questions remain about how existing programming and partnerships will be handled during the closure.