President Donald Trump said Monday he does not intend to tear down the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, but he does plan to close the venue for roughly two years to complete what he described as a $200 million renovation project—work he says cannot be done while performances continue.
“I’m not ripping it down,” Trump told reporters after an unrelated Oval Office announcement. “I’ll be using the steel. So, we’re using the structure.”
Interior Overhaul Would Reshape Iconic Arts Venue
Trump’s remarks suggested an extensive redesign of the building’s interior while keeping the overall structure in place.
The project would be the latest in Trump’s efforts to reshape prominent cultural institutions in Washington. The Kennedy Center—designated by Congress as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy—has long been one of the country’s best-known performing arts venues.
Trump said in a social media post Sunday that the center would close on July 4 for about two years, pending approval by its board. Trump serves as chairman of the board, which is now largely led by allies.
The announcement followed a wave of cancellations by performers and arts organizations after Trump moved to remove the center’s previous leadership and add his name to the building.
Trump Says Building Unsafe and Deteriorating
Citing his experience in construction and real estate, Trump said he spent time evaluating the facility before deciding on the scope of the renovations.
“You want to sit with something for a little while before you decide on what you want to do,” he said.
“We sat with it. We ran it. It’s in very bad shape,” Trump said, describing the venue as “run down,” “dilapidated” and “sort of dangerous.”
He also argued that keeping the center open during renovations would prevent meaningful repairs.
“You can’t do any work because people are coming in and out,” Trump said.
Kennedy Center Cost Estimated at $200 Million
Trump put the price tag at about $200 million and said the renovation would include premium materials.
“We’re using the highest-grade marbles, the highest-grade everything,” he said, adding that the project is fully financed and would reopen in significantly better condition.
“We’re going to close it and we’re going to make it unbelievable, far better than it ever was, and we’ll be able to do it properly,” Trump said.
He also said the building’s steel framework would be exposed and inspected during construction.
“The steel will all be checked out because it’ll be fully exposed,” Trump said. “It’s been up for a long time, but it was in very bad shape. Wasn’t kept well before I got there.”
Trump Reverses Earlier Plan to Keep Center Open
Trump had previously suggested in an October social media post that the Kennedy Center could remain open during construction. On Monday, he said that idea no longer makes sense.
“I was thinking maybe there’s a way of doing it simultaneously, but there really isn’t,” Trump said. “When it opens, it’s going to be brand new, beautiful.”
He said the project would also include new heating and air-conditioning systems.
Part of Broader Push to Reshape Washington Landmarks
The Kennedy Center plan is among several major redevelopment efforts Trump has advanced since returning to the presidency. He has already demolished the East Wing of the White House and launched a $400 million ballroom project. Trump is also pursuing plans for a triumphal arch near Arlington Bridge, across from the Lincoln Memorial, and has proposed changes to Washington Dulles International Airport.
