• Trump announced the Kennedy Center will close for two years starting July 4 for major renovations.
• The closure aligns with ongoing backlash from performers following Trump's takeover and renaming of the center.
• Top performers, including those associated with productions like "Hamilton," have canceled appearances, contributing to declining ticket sales.
• The updates follow Trump's recent claim that the center is in disrepair and in need of a complete rebuild.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 1 that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close for approximately two years starting on July 4, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. This decision has been labeled as necessary for "Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding," according to a series of posts on his Truth Social account, reflecting Trump's goal to elevate the center's status in the arts community. No immediate comments from the Kennedy Center regarding this significant announcement have been reported, according to CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

The closure follows a wave of cancellations from high-profile performers and productions since Trump's election as chairman of the center's board, his administration criticizing the previous leadership and its programming as too "woke." Notable cancellations have included the Broadway show "Hamilton" and performances from artists like sopranos Renee Fleming and composer Philip Glass, who withdrew his Symphony No. 15 due to conflicts with the center's current values. The Washington National Opera also announced its departure from the Kennedy Center, marking a significant loss for the venue, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

Trump's rationale for the extensive renovations cites a necessity to address the center's claimed disrepair, which he describes as "tired, broken, and dilapidated," echoing his previous statements about its financial and structural challenges. Critics, including members of the Kennedy family, have disputed these claims, arguing that the closures and cancellations suggest deeper issues with the facility's reputation and attractiveness to artists. Maria Shriver, a prominent Kennedy family member, emphasized that "no one wants to perform there any longer," reflecting the negative sentiment surrounding Trump’s involvement, according to BBC and Le Monde.

Amidst this backdrop, Trump has indicated that financing for the renovations is fully in place and necessary to ensure the project leads to a "World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment." The Kennedy Center has traditionally hosted over 2,000 events annually, but recent reports have indicated ticket sales have reached record lows, complicating its financial future. Analysts speculate this could signify broader financial difficulties that might necessitate the extreme measures Trump has proposed, as reported by NPR and Reuters.