Trump ordered the closure of the Kennedy Center for renovation, which the Center is not aware of

US President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily close the John F. Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center (formerly known as the Trump-Kennedy Center) will be held on July 4, 2026 to conduct a "renovation." The decision is said to be based on “expertise” from “contractors, music experts, art institutions and other advisers and consultants”. Trump plans to demolish the current building, described as "tired, broken and dilapidated," and build a "World-class Bastion of Arts, Music and Entertainment" in its place, likely including a golden statue of the president himself.

However, the center does not know about it: on their website events until October. Until recently, there was no talk of renovation. After Trump broke up the board of trustees, appointed his people and changed the name, many high-profile artists, including Philip Glass and Renee Fleming, declined to cooperate. Even the Washington National Opera House, which has used the Kennedy Center for its performances for decades, moved to the University. George Washington and art director Kevin Couch resigned after just two weeks.

Most likely, this is just an attempt by Trump to discredit the legendary concert complex, perhaps to later cancel plans for its construction under the pretext of saving money, while his supporters will rejoice. The mere fact that Trump is trying to do so amid waving red baseball caps and possibly using the FBI to pressure independent journalists adds an ominous tone to the situation.