President Donald Trump said the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will temporarily shut down for roughly two years as part of what he described as a “construction, revitalization and complete rebuilding” project.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Feb. 1, Trump wrote that a group of experts — including contractors, musical experts, art institutions, and other advisors and consultants — spent a year reviewing the performing arts venue, which he said has recently been renamed. He said he chose a full closure rather than keeping shows running while construction proceeds.
The shutdown is scheduled to begin on July 4, 2026.
“I have determined that The Trump Kennedy Center, if temporarily closed for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding, can be, without question, the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World,” Trump wrote.
He added that, subject to board approval, he believes the fastest way to reach “the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur” is to pause entertainment operations for about two years, followed by what he called a “Grand Reopening.”
Trump also claimed the project is already financed and said the timeline is intended to align with the nation’s 250th anniversary. He described the venue as “tired, broken, and dilapidated,” arguing that the work would transform it into a “World Class” arts landmark.
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The Kennedy Center was established by Congress as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, dedicated one year after his 1963 assassination. Kennedy, a supporter of the arts, frequently spoke about what he called “our contribution to the human spirit,” as noted on the center’s website.
The announcement follows a series of moves Trump has made involving the Kennedy Center since taking office in January 2025. According to the article, he appointed loyalists to the venue’s board, which then voted to make him chairman. He later began referring to the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center” in speeches and social media posts.
In December 2025, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump-appointed board voted to officially rename the venue. Trump’s name was added to exterior signage on Dec. 19, with photos showing “The Donald Trump and” placed above the building’s prior lettering.
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Leavitt said the vote was unanimous, but Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who has an automatic seat on the board as a congressional leader, previously alleged she was muted during the call and could not voice objections or participate as intended.
The planned renovations would come after other construction activity tied to the administration. The article notes that crews were seen beginning work on the White House East Wing in October 2025 for a future White House ballroom project, described as a 90,000-square-foot structure estimated to cost about $400 million. It also said Trump has pursued other changes at the White House, including updates involving the Rose Garden, the Cabinet Room and the Oval Office.
