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President Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to shut down Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for two years, starting in July, to allow for renovations.
This declaration, shared via social media, comes in the wake of multiple event cancellations following Trump’s replacement of the previous leadership and the addition of his name to the venue. Notably, Trump’s announcement did not address these recent cancellations.
The proposal was unveiled shortly after the premiere of “Melania,” a documentary about the first lady, was screened at the iconic venue. Trump stated that the plan requires approval from the Kennedy Center’s board, which is now predominantly filled with his appointed allies. Trump himself serves as the chairman of the board of trustees.
In his post, Trump described the decision as informed by numerous “Highly Respected Experts,” aiming to transform what he characterized as a “tired, broken, and dilapidated” center into a “World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment.”
Several leading performing arts groups have canceled their engagements at the venue. Most recently, renowned composer Philip Glass withdrew his Symphony No. 15, titled “Lincoln,” citing the center’s current values as being in “direct conflict” with the symphony’s message.
Earlier this month, the Washington National Opera announced that it will move performances away from the Kennedy Center in another high-profile departure following Trump’s takeover of the U.S. capital’s leading performing arts venue.
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
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