On February 1, 2026, President Donald Trump announced plans to temporarily close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This closure is set to begin on July 4, 2026, as part of a major renovation labeled “Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding.” The following day, Trump clarified that this didn’t mean he intended to demolish it. Throughout his second term, attendance at the center dropped significantly, with many artists canceling performances, and Trump appointed himself chairman of its board, a move that drew mixed reactions.
To unpack this situation, The Conversation U.S. consulted E. Andrew Taylor, an arts management expert from American University in Washington, D.C. He weighed in on whether Trump has the authority to enact such significant changes.
Trump’s influence is complicated. While he lacks direct authority over the Kennedy Center, he appoints about half its governing board members. This board, now filled with Trump’s appointees, gives him substantial leverage. However, under federal law, the center is governed by its entire board, and Congress approves its operational funding. Recent changes to board rules seem to curtail the voting power of those not appointed by Trump, sparking legal challenges from dissenting board members.
Since its opening in 1971, the Kennedy Center has operated as a unique blend of public and private entity. It was established as a memorial to President Kennedy, funded through donations, grants, and federal resources. Any major changes to the site have historically required congressional approval.
There’s no doubt the Kennedy Center needs updates. A 2021 evaluation highlighted 323 repair projects estimated to cost about $252 million, but only $45 million has been appropriated so far. Projects include replacing worn seating and repairing structural issues, but many areas of the center are still relatively new. For example, the REACH, opened in 2019, was a significant investment aimed at expanding educational programs.
Though upgrades are needed, closing the center entirely for two years is questionable. Experts argue a phased renovation would allow performances to continue during the updates. This was actually the original proposal before Trump’s drastic closure announcement.
The reaction to Trump’s leadership at the center has varied widely. Ticket sales have plunged. High-profile performances have been canceled, including those by renowned artists like Renée Fleming. Some center leaders have attributed declining attendance to “liberal intolerance,” while others dismissed artists’ cancellations as a result of previous management choices.
If the Kennedy Center were to completely shut down, it would have broad implications. The venue is crucial for both the local and national arts scene, serving over 2.1 million students and educators annually. Its closure would displace a wealth of cultural activities and performances, and many alternative venues are already booked and may not accommodate the same level of programming.
Overall, the future of the Kennedy Center remains uncertain. The recent announcement caught many off guard, and the process for such significant renovations typically involves consensus, not unilateral decisions. Moving forward, while physical repairs may be made, restoring the center’s reputation will require patience and concerted effort from its leadership, artists, and supporters.
