Kennedy Center Faces Controversial Closure and Renaming Amid Political and Artist Backlash

The John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to close for about two years starting July 4 for extensive renovations, an announcement made directly by President Donald Trump. The decision heightens ongoing controversy surrounding the national arts institution, which has faced significant artist protests and leadership changes since the president became involved.

The centre, designated by federal law as a memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy, was renamed the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for the Performing Arts" in December. This action, taken by a board of trustees recently appointed by Trump, sparked immediate backlash. A wave of prominent artists, composers, and producers—including Issa Rae, Philip Glass, and the producer of "Hamilton"—subsequently cancelled performances or resigned from leadership roles, citing the politicisation of the institution.

President Trump stated the closure is necessary to thoroughly rebuild what he described as a financially and structurally "tired" facility, claiming financing is fully secured. However, the announcement came via social media, with staff reportedly learning of the plan through the same post. Critics, including members of the Kennedy family and some lawmakers, argue the renaming may violate the 1964 law that established the centre and have filed a legal challenge.

The two-year hiatus, presented as a renovation period, also follows reports that the growing artist boycott had made it increasingly difficult to programme events. The situation underscores broader tensions over political influence on cultural institutions, the independence of federally connected arts organisations, and the use of national memorials for contemporary political branding.