President Donald Trump is pushing forward with a major plan to temporarily close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, arguing that a full shutdown is the fastest way to transform the historic venue into a world-class cultural landmark.
Speaking Monday during a Kennedy Center board meeting held in the White House East Room, Trump urged trustees to approve a two-year closure so the facility can undergo sweeping renovations.
“You have to close it,” Trump told the board. “If we want to bring the Trump-Kennedy Center to the highest level of beauty and grandeur, the best way is to pause operations and rebuild it properly.”
According to the president, the temporary shutdown would allow construction crews to complete large-scale upgrades much faster than if the venue remained open.
“The best way to do it is close it, do it right, and then reopen with a grand reopening,” Trump said. “When it’s finished, it will be far better than when it was originally built.”
Several members of the Kennedy Center board attended the meeting, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Trump Pushes Major Renovations At Kennedy Center
Trump said the performing arts center — which first opened in 1971 — needs significant modernization.
The president noted that several upgrades have already begun, including improvements to the building’s air-conditioning system, seating, and interior marble installations.
Trump also argued the renovations will restore the prestige of one of America’s most recognizable cultural institutions.
“Over the past year we’ve made incredible progress restoring the true purpose and prestige of this institution,” Trump said.
“We want it to become the finest performing arts facility anywhere in the world.”
Federal Court Ruling Adds New Twist
The board meeting took place just days after a federal judge weighed in on a lawsuit involving the Kennedy Center’s leadership.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled Saturday that Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) must be allowed to participate in the board meeting.
Beatty serves as an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board.
However, the judge did not require that she be given voting authority during the meeting.
The legal challenge comes amid broader changes the Trump administration has made to the leadership structure of the performing arts center.
Trump Reshaped Kennedy Center Leadership
Shortly after beginning his second presidential term, Trump replaced several members of the Kennedy Center’s board.
The president previously criticized the institution’s programming as becoming too politically focused and said new leadership was needed to restore its direction.
After restructuring the board, Trump installed several allies and named himself chairman.
The administration also recently announced that Ric Grenell would step down as CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center.
“When we first took it over, I didn’t do it with enthusiasm,” Trump said Monday.
“I did it because somebody had to turn it around. It was failing.”
Artist Boycotts And Ticket Sales Drop
Trump’s leadership overhaul triggered backlash from some artists and performers.
Several canceled planned appearances at the venue in protest.
Reports also indicated that ticket sales declined in the months following the board shakeup.
Despite the criticism, the administration has continued to move forward with its renovation plans.
Last November, the board voted to rename the venue the:
Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
Massive Two-Year Renovation Planned
Earlier this year, Trump announced the Kennedy Center could close as early as July to allow for what he described as a complete reconstruction of the complex.
Renderings released by the administration show plans for a significantly upgraded entertainment complex in Washington, D.C.
Trump said the project will ultimately transform the center into a modern destination capable of hosting major international performances and events.
“THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER will be, at its completion, the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” Trump wrote in a recent social media post.
The president also noted that large-scale construction and redevelopment projects have been a central part of his career.
“What I do best in life is build,” Trump said.
“And together we’re going to ensure this becomes the greatest performing arts facility anywhere in the world.”