A plan outlined by President Donald Trump would bring performances at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to a full stop for about two years starting in mid 2026. The proposal, shared publicly over the weekend, frames the shutdown as necessary to address long delayed repairs and structural upgrades.
The announcement comes amid broader changes at the center, including leadership shifts and a recent renaming that added Trump’s name to the institution. Administration officials say closing the venue entirely would allow construction crews to work faster and complete renovations more efficiently than if shows continued.
The plan has triggered swift reaction across the arts community. Several high profile performers and organizations have already canceled upcoming appearances or moved productions elsewhere, citing uncertainty over the center’s direction and operations. Members of the Kennedy family and some lawmakers have also questioned the scope and process behind the changes.
The center’s board is expected to review the closure proposal in the coming months. Until then, events scheduled beyond next summer remain subject to revision.