Trump wants to shutter the Kennedy Center for 2 years – an arts management professor explains what that portends

While the center’s need for major upgrades is real, the dramatic and disruptive closure of the entire campus isn’t in order, a scholar of arts institutions explains.

By: E. Andrew Taylor, American University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 4, 2026

Words: 1,523

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By E. Andrew Taylor, American University

President Donald Trump announced on Feb. 1, 2026, that he would shut down the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for two years. Trump said this closure would begin on July 4 and was necessary for “Construction, Revitalization and Complete Rebuilding.” The next day, he denied that this meant he would demolish the facility altogether. The multi-venue arts center has endured cancellations by performing artists and …

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