Trump announces temporary closure of The Kennedy Center - media

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to close The Kennedy Center for renovations on 1st February 2026 in a post on his Truth Social platform, major news outlets reported.

The Kennedy Center will close on 4th July 2026 -- the nation's 250th anniversary -- for a two-year restoration, President wrote in the post, according to these news reports.

Trump said that the finance has been secured in the post. However, he also said that this plan would be “totally subject to board approval.”

Since the take over and the renaming of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to The Trump Kennedy Center last year, the traditionally bipartisan art center in Washington D.C. has suffered a plunge in ticket sales and donations and a slew of cancellations by artists. The most recently, The Washington National Opera said it would move to a new venue and Martha Graham Dance Company cancelled its shows. In late January, composer Philip Glass said he decided to "withdraw" his Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln" which was due to premiere at the centre.

CBS News reported the decision to close The Kennedy Center might be legal challenges. The Hill said the Kennedys expressed concerns over Trump's decision.