Washington DC’s Kennedy Center to close for two years says Trump
President Trump claims the Washington DC performing arts venue will shut down on 4 July for renovations, a month after he controversially renamed the Center
News By Eamonn Forde | 2 February 2026
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to close The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Independence Day (4 July) for two years, as it undergoes major renovations.
Posting on his own Truth Social platform yesterday (1 February), Trump says the decision for the closure comes after “a one-year review” that weighed up two options: either full closure to allow the construction work to be carried out unimpeded, or partial closure with booked performances slotting around any building work. He says he chose the former option, despite the complex undergoing a $250m renovation and update as recently as 2019.
“I have determined that The Trump Kennedy Center, if temporarily closed for construction, revitalisation, and complete rebuilding, can be, without question, the finest performing arts facility of its…
You've used your free article this month
Create a free account to read 3 articles per month, or subscribe for unlimited access.
