Kennedy Center to close for 2 years for renovations in July, Trump says, after performers’ backlash

The Kennedy Center is set to close for two years for renovations starting in July, as announced by Donald Trump. This decision follows a backlash from performers and comes amid a series of event cancellations at the arts venue. Trump's announcement has drawn attention due to the significant changes he has made at the center, including a forceful takeover and the addition of his name to its facade (Politico, Deutsche Welle, Dallas News). The renovations are expected to impact the Kennedy Center's operations significantly, as it will not host any events during the closure. The announcement has raised questions regarding the future of the center and its role in the arts community, especially given the recent backlash from artists and performers who have expressed concerns about Trump's involvement and the direction of the center (NPR, Entertainment Weekly). The Kennedy Center, a prominent cultural institution, has faced challenges in recent months, including the cancellations of various performances. The decision to close for renovations is seen as a response to these issues, although the specifics of the renovation plans have not been detailed in the announcements (NPR, Deutsche Welle). The closure is expected to have a lasting impact on the center's programming and its relationship with the arts community during the renovation period.