WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump revealed plans to shutter the Kennedy Center, a renowned performing arts venue in Washington, for a two-year renovation period starting in July. This announcement was made on Sunday.
Trump’s decision, shared on social media, comes amid a series of show cancellations after he replaced the center’s leadership and emblazoned his name on the building. Notably, his message did not address these recent cancellations.
The announcement was made shortly after the Kennedy Center hosted the premiere of “Melania,” a documentary about the First Lady. Trump stated that the proposal awaits approval from the center’s board, which is now filled with his chosen representatives. He currently serves as the chair of the board of trustees.
In his post, Trump described the move as a transformative step based on insights from “Highly Respected Experts.” He envisions revitalizing what he sees as a “tired, broken, and dilapidated” venue into a “World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment.”
Amidst these developments, significant performing arts groups have been withdrawing from the Kennedy Center. Composer Philip Glass recently decided to pull his Symphony No. 15, titled “Lincoln,” citing a conflict between the center’s current values and those embodied in his work.
Earlier, the Washington National Opera also announced it would relocate its performances from the Kennedy Center, marking another prominent exit following Trump’s controversial takeover of the capital’s leading arts institution.
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
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