The John F. Kennedy Center, one of the most renowned performing arts institutions in the United States, will suspend artistic activities for two years, starting July 4. US President Donald Trump announced the news on the social network Truth Social.
The center has experienced numerous cancellations and record low ticket sales since Trump took control in February 2025, when he changed the board of directors and was named chairman of the institution.
In his post, Trump said he had been considering renovation options for a year and decided that a temporary closure would be the quickest way to bring the center “to its highest level of success and greatness.” He promised a grand reconstruction that would surpass anything that had come before.
The center, which historically hosted more than 2 events a year, has lost the participation of many well-known artists, including “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Seller, actress Issa Rae, musician Rhiannon Giddens and the band Low Cut Connie. Shonda Rhimes, Renée Fleming and Ben Folds have resigned from the board and artistic advisors.
The center’s new board, selected by Trump, decided to change the name to the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” but legally the site still bears the name John F. Kennedy Center and any change requires Congressional approval.
A Washington Post analysis showed that last year 43% of tickets for regular events went unsold. The Washington National Opera also announced the removal of its performances from the center after more than 40 years.
