The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a premier venue for the performing arts in Washington, D.C., will suspend entertainment events for a two-year renovation beginning July 4. This announcement was made by Donald Trump on Truth Social.

Recently, the Kennedy Center has faced significant challenges, including a wave of performer cancellations and the lowest ticket sales it has experienced in years. These struggles have coincided with a leadership overhaul initiated by Trump at the beginning of his term.

In his post, Trump explained that he had been evaluating the venue for a year to determine the best course of action—either a full closure or a partial one during renovations. “Based on these findings, and totally subject to Board approval, I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of success, beauty, and grandeur is to cease entertainment operations for approximately two years, with a scheduled grand reopening that will surpass any previous events at this facility,” Trump elaborated.

Trump’s control over the Kennedy Center began in February 2025, when he appointed himself chair after overhauling the board. He has made it clear that his vision for the venue includes a departure from what he describes as “woke” culture, stating, “We’re going to make sure that it’s good and it’s not going to be woke. There’s no more woke in this country.”

Historically, the Kennedy Center has hosted over 2,000 events a year. However, many artists have withdrawn from scheduled performances in response to Trump’s leadership. Notable producers and performers like Jeffrey Seller, Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Peter Wolf, and the rock band Low Cut Connie have canceled their shows, expressing concerns over the cultural direction under Trump’s control.

The reaction to Trump’s leadership has been significant, with prominent figures like television producer Shonda Rhimes resigning from the center’s board. Additionally, artists such as soprano Renée Fleming and singer-songwriter Ben Folds stepped down as artistic advisors in protest.

In December, the newly appointed board, selected by Trump, voted to rename the institution the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” However, according to law, the venue is officially recognized as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and is intended to serve as a living memorial to the former president. The News reported that changing the institution’s name would typically require congressional approval.

In January, the Washington National Opera announced it would relocate its performances from the Kennedy Center after more than 40 years of hosting there. An analysis from the News indicated a sharp decline in ticket sales for the Kennedy Center, revealing that 43% of tickets for typical productions remained unsold during a recent analysis period.