Kennedy Center to close for 2 years for renovations in July, Trump says, after performers’ backlash
WASHINGTON– President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he will close the performing arts venue at the Kennedy Center in Washington for two years starting in July for construction.
Trump’s social media announcement follows a wave of cancellations since Trump ousted previous management and added his name to the building. Trump made no mention in his message of the recent cancellations.
Trump announced his plan days after the premiere of “Melania,” a documentary about the first lady, was screened at the legendary venue. The proposal, he said, is subject to approval by the Kennedy Center board, which has been staffed with hand-picked allies. Trump himself chairs the center’s board of directors.
“This important decision, based on input from many highly respected experts, will transform a tired, broken and dilapidated center that has been in disrepair, both financially and structurally, for many years, into a bastion of world-class arts, music and entertainment,” Trump wrote in his message.
Major performing arts groups have withdrawn from their performances, most recently composer Philip Glass, who announced his decision to withdraw his Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln” because he said the center’s values today are in “direct conflict” with the message of the piece.
Earlier this month, the Washington National Opera announced it would move its performances from the Kennedy Center, another high-profile departure following Trump’s takeover of the US capital’s premier performing arts venue.
A Kennedy Center spokesperson did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
