President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will be temporarily closing entertainment operations at the Kennedy Center for “approximately” two years.
He claimed in a post to his social media platform that it’s for “Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding.”
Trump said the closure will start on July 4.
“The Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex. Financing is completed, and fully in place!” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
In February 2025, Trump fired multiple members from the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees and became its chairman. Several of his administration officials were then installed as board members — including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, second lady Usha Vance, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.
Trump announced in December that the board at the Kennedy Center had voted “unanimously” to rename the building the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”
Donald Trump attends the premiere of the documentary film “Melania” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., January 29, 2026.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Following the announcement, workers added “The Donald J. Trump and” to the facade of the building just above the signage saying, “The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
Despite Leavitt and Trump’s claims that he has rescued the building financially, the Washington Post reported in late October that ticket sales have plummeted since Trump’s takeover.
Several high-profile artists and shows have canceled appearances at the venue since Trump became its leader, including actress Issa Rae and the Broadway show “Hamilton.”
ABC News’ Hannah Demissie, Isabella Murray, Michelle Stoddart, and Karen Travers contributed to this report.