Donald Trump has declared that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC will close for two years, a move that is intensifying the ongoing dispute surrounding the historic venue. The announcement, made via social media, states that the centre will shut its doors on 4 July for extensive construction work, pending board approval.
Renaming Fallout and Performer Boycotts
The closure comes in the wake of significant controversy after the venue's board, appointed by Trump, voted to rename it the Trump-Kennedy Center in December. This decision provoked outrage, including from members of the Kennedy family, and led to a series of high-profile cancellations by artists and groups.
Notable withdrawals include the Washington National Opera and composer Philip Glass, who pulled his Symphony No. 15, citing a "direct conflict" between the centre's values and the message of his work. These boycotts have raised questions about the timing and motivation behind the planned shutdown.
Trump's Justification and Criticism
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump defended the closure, describing the Kennedy Center as "tired, broken, and dilapidated" and in poor financial and structural condition for years. He claimed the renovation would transform it into a "World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment," based on input from experts.
However, neither Trump nor Kennedy Center president Richard Grennell has provided concrete evidence to support these claims of disrepair. This lack of proof has fuelled scepticism, especially as Trump previously pledged in October that the centre would remain open during any renovations.
Kennedy Family Reactions and Deflection Claims
Members of the Kennedy family have been vocal in their criticism. Maria Shriver suggested on social media that the closure is intended to divert attention from the performer cancellations, stating that entertainers are "canceling left and right" since the name change.
Kerry Kennedy, a niece of John F. Kennedy, went further, vowing in a post on X to remove Trump's name from the centre with a pickax once his term ends, highlighting the deep-seated tensions over the renaming.
Financial Backing and Renovation Plans
Richard Grennell expressed gratitude to Congress for securing $257 million in funding for the building's renovation. He argued that a temporary closure makes sense, allowing for better resource investment and more comprehensive historic renovations, potentially speeding up the process.
The closure announcement follows closely after the premiere of a documentary about Melania Trump at the venue, adding another layer to the political and cultural narrative surrounding the centre.
As the debate continues, the future of this iconic arts hub remains uncertain, with its closure set to impact Washington DC's cultural landscape for years to come.
