The John F. Kennedy Center, a world-class venue for the performing arts Washington DCwill suspend recreational activities for two years starting July 4 during renovations, Donald Trump Posted on Sunday by Truth Social.
The Kennedy Center is one to see wave Performers Cancel events As well as in recent months Lowest ticket sales In the years since the president orchestrated the chaos a Leadership integrity At the beginning of his tenure.
in him A true social postTrump said he would review the venue for a year to decide between a full shutdown and reopening or partial closure during its renovation.
“Based on these findings, and fully subject to board approval, the fastest way to bring the Trump Kennedy Center to its highest level of success, beauty and glory is to suspend entertainment activities for approximately two years, with a scheduled grand reopening, surpassing the competition on the social media platform,” Trump wrote. Truth Social.
Trump began occupying the Kennedy Center in February 2025. Overhauling Board immediately He was named the chair of the organization. The president said of his plans for the venue in February: “We’re going to make sure it’s good and that it doesn’t wake up. There’s no wake up in this country anymore.”
According to the website, the center has historically hosted more than 2,000 events a year, although many performers have pulled out of planned performances since the Trump shakeup began. Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller said in March Social media post “Our show simply cannot participate in conscience and cannot be part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center”. Actor and producer Issa Rae, Grammy-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens, Peter Wolff and rock band Low Cut Connie have also stopped by Kennedy Center shows.
Other prominent artists have reacted to Trump putting himself in charge of the organization. Shonda Rhimes is a television producer and screenwriter Resigned As a soprano and actor from the Center Board of Trustees in February Renee Fleming and singer and songwriter Ben Folds Resigned as artistic advisors.
In December, the center’s new board of trustees, selected by Trump, Voted to change the name The world famous institution for “Trump-Kennedy Center”. However, the venue is recognized by law as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and has been erected as a living memorial to the former president. The New York Times. The paper noted that it is generally understood that any change in the center’s name requires the approval of Congress.
In January, the Washington National Opera announced that it would be after more than 40 years is moving Its performances from the Kennedy Center.
a analysis According to The Washington Post, Kennedy Center ticket sales declined last year. Data analyzed from September 3 to October 19 found that 43% of ticket sales for regular productions remained unsold.
