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In a significant announcement over the weekend, President Trump declared that the Kennedy Center would undergo a substantial overhaul, necessitating a two-year closure. After a year-long assessment, the decision was made to initiate a renovation and restoration project.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed that the closure would commence on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. “The Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex,” he stated with enthusiasm. The post also assured followers that all financial arrangements for the project are finalized.
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(The Hill) – President Trump on Sunday announced that, after a one-year review of the Kennedy Center, it needs to be closed for two years to conduct a renovation and restoration.
“The Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Financing is completed, and fully in place!”
Earlier in the post, the president bemoaned how partial closures currently show performances and determined that a one-time, two-year closure of the facility would be the “fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur.”
The Hill has reached out to the Kennedy Center and the White House for comment.
Trump replaced many board members in February 2025 with allies, who then elected him chair, days after the president first announced on social media that he would serve in the position. In December, the board voted to rename the center “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The president also hosted the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in December.
Since the decision to rename the center with the addition of the president’s name, multiple cancellations have come in from artists and groups recently scheduled to perform.
Composer Phillip Glass just last week canceled a performance scheduled with the National Symphony Orchestra in June. Other artists including opera singer Renée Fleming, banjo player Béla Fleck, Doug Varone and Dancers, Kristy Lee and others have canceled shows at the center.