Trump Orders Two-Year Closure of Kennedy Center Amid Artist Backlash
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is set to close for nearly two years after Donald Trump announced a sweeping renovation plan beginning in July 2026. The decision, timed with America's 250th anniversary, has triggered intense backlash from performers and arts organisations, with several high-profile artists withdrawing from scheduled events and ticket sales reportedly declining.
Supporters argue the closure is a necessary step to modernise an ageing cultural landmark, while critics warn it represents political interference in the arts. Legal challenges are already emerging, with lawmakers and members of the Kennedy family questioning whether the president has the authority to reshape a federally chartered institution without congressional approval. As protests grow and key questions about cost, funding, and displaced performances remain unanswered, the controversy is fast becoming a flashpoint in the wider culture war over who controls America's cultural legacy.
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