The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. is set to close for a two-year renovation beginning July 4, as announced by President Donald Trump. The closure coincides with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, The Trump Kennedy Center will be revitalized to become the finest performing arts facility anywhere in the world.
The decision comes after several artists canceled their performances at the center due to its recent renaming to the Donald J Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Trump had previously replaced board members at the center with allies and was voted chairman.
At the end of last year, the new board changed the venue's name, leading to backlash from various artists, including the composer of 'Wicked', who withdrew their scheduled performances after the renaming.
Despite the controversies, Trump assured that the renovations have already been financed and a grand reopening is planned after the completion of the work. However, some lawmakers argue that since the center was established in honor of Kennedy by federal law, any name change must involve Congress. Legal actions have been taken to address this, with notable figures from Kennedy's family expressing their concerns. The future of the Kennedy Center remains uncertain as this significant transformation begins.
The decision comes after several artists canceled their performances at the center due to its recent renaming to the Donald J Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Trump had previously replaced board members at the center with allies and was voted chairman.
At the end of last year, the new board changed the venue's name, leading to backlash from various artists, including the composer of 'Wicked', who withdrew their scheduled performances after the renaming.
Despite the controversies, Trump assured that the renovations have already been financed and a grand reopening is planned after the completion of the work. However, some lawmakers argue that since the center was established in honor of Kennedy by federal law, any name change must involve Congress. Legal actions have been taken to address this, with notable figures from Kennedy's family expressing their concerns. The future of the Kennedy Center remains uncertain as this significant transformation begins.
