The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington will close its doors for two years starting July 4 a large-scale renovation. President Donald Trump announced this on Truth Social on the night from Sunday to Monday. According to Trump, the closure is necessary to transform the cultural complex from a “tired and dilapidated center” into “the best performing arts institution of its kind.”
The announcement comes after months of turmoil surrounding the Kennedy Center, which has been plagued by cancellations and boycotts since Trump’s return to the White House. Trump appointed himself chairman of the board, appointed confidants and put his name on the facade of the building. He also openly interfered with the programming, which according to him should connect better under “American Flavors.” The New York Times on: “more Les Miz [Les Misérables, red.]less Hamilton”.
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That course led to an exodus of artists and audiences. For example, composer Philip Glass announced last week that he would cancel the planned performances of Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’, which he had been working on for six years on behalf of the National Symphony Orchestra, soprano Renée Fleming canceled performances and the Washington National Opera cut ties with the center. The National Symphony Orchestra will continue to play, but according to American media it will do so to half-empty halls: ticket sales are about 50 percent lower than last year. Trump does not mention that setback in his statement.
The timing of the announcement was striking: on the evening of the Grammy Awards and two days after Trump used the Kennedy Center for the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania. Trump’s plan to put his name on the facade previously led to fierce criticism. Kerry Kennedy, a niece of John F. Kennedy, wrote on X in December that she used that name “with a pickaxe” will delete once Trump’s term is over.
Trump did not provide details about the nature and costs of the renovation. He does write that the financing “is complete, without mentioning amounts or sources of money. Last year, Congress made $257 million available for overdue maintenance of the Kennedy Center, but it is unclear to what extent that amount is related to the major renovation and temporary closure that Trump is now announcing.
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