The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Performing Arts will stop hosting events for approximately two years beginning July 4, 2026, according to an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social. The proposed closure, which Trump said would allow for a comprehensive renovation of the Washington-based cultural institution, comes amid reported criticism from artists and performers.
Trump said Sunday on social media platform Truth Social that the Kennedy Center will close its doors starting July 4, 2026, to facilitate what he described as a complete revitalization of the venue, subject to approval by his board of trustees.
Trump calls for total shutdown to allow for “world-class” rebuilding.
Trump said the decision followed an extended review process involving contractors, arts institutions and consultants, during which two options were considered: carry out the construction and continue the performance, or close the venue entirely to speed up the rebuilding process.
“After a year-long review of the Trump Kennedy Center with contractors, music experts, arts institutions and other advisors and consultants, deciding between construction with closure and reopening, or partial construction while continuing entertainment operations for a much longer period of time, working in and around the shows, I decided that if it was possible to complete and rebuild, rebuild, renovate the Kennedy Center, temporarily close the Trump Building question, the best performing arts facility of its kind, anywhere in the world.”
He added that continued performance during construction would jeopardize quality and deadlines.
“In other words, if we don’t shut down, the quality of Construction won’t be nearly as good, and the time to complete due to disruption to the audience from the many events using the facility will be much longer. A temporary shutdown will result in a much faster and better result!”
Two-year closure proposed, pending Kennedy Center Board of Trustees approval
Trump said temporarily halting entertainment operations was the most effective way to transform the Kennedy Center into what he characterized as a global cultural landmark.
“Based on these findings, and subject entirely to Board approval, I have determined that the fastest way to bring the Trump Kennedy Center to its highest level of success, beauty and grandeur is to shut down Entertainment Operations for approximately two years, with a planned grand reopening that will rival and surpass anything that has previously taken place at such a facility.”
The proposed closure is scheduled to begin on Independence Day in 2026, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
July 4 Closure timed with America’s 250th anniversary
Trump called the timing of the shutdown symbolic and tied the project to the country’s half-century celebrations.
“Therefore, the Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4, 2026 in honor of our country’s 250th anniversary, after which we will simultaneously begin construction on a new and spectacular entertainment complex. Funding is complete and fully secured!”
He further argued that the center suffered from long-term structural and financial problems that the redevelopment would address.
“This important decision, based on the input of many highly respected experts, will take a tired, broken and dilapidated center that has been in poor condition for many years, both financially and structurally, and transform it into a world-class bastion of art, music and entertainment, far better than ever before. America will be very proud of its new and beautiful monument for many generations to come.”
The future of programming in the performer cloud
The announcement follows reports of unrest and backlash from parts of the arts community, with artists expressing concerns about disruptions to programming and administration. While Trump stressed that funding for the project has been secured, it remains unclear how existing commitments, resident companies and international partnerships will be managed during the proposed shutdown.