"Tired, broken, and dilapidated" — President Trump's description of the Kennedy Center sets the stage for a sweeping, controversial, and legally fraught renovation plan.

Kennedy Center to Close for Two Years Amid Legal Battles and Leadership Shakeup

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to close for two years starting July 4 to undergo renovations, following an announcement by President Donald Trump and subsequent approval by the center's board of trustees. The plan has generated multiple legal challenges and questions regarding its scope, funding, and compliance with federal law, and has been accompanied by changes in the center's leadership.

Background and Announcement

President Trump announced the proposed closure on February 1 via his Truth Social platform. He stated that the decision was based on input from experts and that the center is "tired, broken, and dilapidated." Trump said the goal is to create "the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World."

The announcement came after Trump returned to the White House and initiated changes at the center, including a board overhaul and his appointment as chairman. In December, the new board voted to add Trump's name to the institution, which is now referred to by administration officials as "The Trump-Kennedy Center."

Board Vote and Rationale

On March 10, the Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted unanimously to approve the two-year closure. President Trump stated that new seating and marble for the renovation had already been purchased. He noted that the board's formal approval was a "minor detail" as the announcement had already been made.

According to documents provided to the board—which included a 2021 building review and a 2022 report on exterior soffit failure—the closure is recommended for safety due to deferred maintenance, including water damage, outdated HVAC and electrical systems, structural deficiencies, waterproofing, and roof degradation.

Meeting minutes from a March 2 subcommittee stated that a full shutdown is the most efficient and cost-effective method to complete the work properly, and that approximately 75 to 175 of the center's 300 employees would be impacted.

Internal Renovation Plans

An internal memo from the Kennedy Center, sent on February 2 by Brooks Boeke, director of the Friends of the Kennedy Center volunteer program, outlined specific renovation plans. According to Carissa Faroughi, the center's director of program management, the planned changes include:

• Concert Hall: Seating replacement, installation of marble armrests, new carpeting, replacement of wood flooring on stage, and strategic painting.
• Grand Foyer, Hall of States, and Hall of Nations: A change of color scheme from red to black with a gold pattern. The carpeting, furnishings, and electrical outlets in these areas were redone two years prior without interrupting performances.
• Other Facility Work: Upgrades to HVAC, safety, and electrical systems, alongside improvements to parking.

Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center's vice president of public relations, stated that the institution has been transparent about the needed renovations for revitalization and restoration. She emphasized their importance for preserving the building, enhancing the patron experience, and establishing the center as a world-class destination.

The scope of renovations detailed in the memo appears more modest than President Trump's public descriptions of a "complete rebuilding" and large-scale changes. The Kennedy Center underwent expansion and renovation in 2019. A source close to the center reportedly stated that Trump has expressed enthusiasm for changes such as installing marble armrests in the main theater, which some experts have suggested could negatively impact acoustics.

Leadership Changes

Richard Grenell, appointed by Trump as the center's president in February 2025, has departed from his position. President Trump stated that Grenell "has done an excellent job in helping to coordinate various elements of the Center during the transition period."

Matt Floca, the center's vice president of operations, has been promoted to chief operating officer and executive director. Floca joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024, and his background includes facilities management and construction management. These changes are expected to be finalized at a board meeting. Grenell had previously indicated impending staff reductions ahead of the closure.

Legal Challenges

Multiple lawsuits have been filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., challenging the Kennedy Center's renovations and name change.

Rep. Joyce Beatty Lawsuit

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex-officio member of the center's board, sued in December over the renaming issue. A second lawsuit seeks to prevent the closure for renovations without congressional approval. Beatty argues that the Kennedy Center's board cannot rename the national memorial to John F. Kennedy, citing that Congress designated it as the "sole national memorial" to the late President and that a 1964 statute governs its name. Beatty's attorneys argue that by renaming the center, the defendants have breached their fiduciary obligations and violated governing statutes.

Coalition Lawsuit

Eight architecture and cultural organizations—including the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the DC Preservation League, Docomomo US, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation—filed a lawsuit seeking to ensure compliance with federal historic preservation laws and to secure Congress' approval before renovations proceed.

The groups argue that President Trump and his appointed board intend to alter the property without adhering to federal historic preservation and environmental laws and without obtaining necessary Congressional authorization. They cited the demolition of the East Wing of the White House and Trump's repeated statements about a "complete rebuilding" of the Kennedy Center as examples of concerns.

Court Ruling

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on March 8 that the Kennedy Center must provide Rep. Beatty with documents related to the closure and renovation plans, stating that withholding this information would impede her duties as a trustee. The judge also stipulated that she must be allowed to speak at board meetings. However, the judge did not compel the board to allow Beatty to cast a vote, stating, "The Court finds, however, that Beatty has not carried her burden as to her right to vote, at least at this very early stage."

Beatty described the documents provided as "inadequate." Sworn declarations from performing arts experts, including Deborah Borda, president emerita of the New York Philharmonic, warn of severe and immediate harms to bookings, donors, and staffing that would be difficult to reverse.

Congressional Opposition and Questions

The proposed closure has raised multiple questions and concerns from members of Congress:

Congressional Approval

The Kennedy Center's charter designates it as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Significant actions, including name changes and major renovations, typically require congressional approval. Congress has not yet addressed the proposal to rename the complex. Rep. Beatty criticized Trump for acting with "total disregard for Congress," which allocates funds to the center.

Funding

President Trump secured $257 million from Congress for the center and has estimated the renovation project at approximately $200 million. Executive Director Matt Floca testified that a comprehensive renovation plan is in development but has not yet been submitted to Congress.

Senate Investigation

In November, Senate Democrats initiated an investigation into Grenell and the Kennedy Center's leadership, citing allegations of "millions in lost revenue, luxury spending and preferential treatment for Trump allies." Grenell denied these allegations in a public letter that has since been removed.

Artistic and Performer Response

Since Trump's increased involvement, the center has experienced a decline in attendance and numerous artists have canceled performances:

• Composer Philip Glass withdrew his Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln," citing a conflict between the center's current values and the message of his piece.
• The Washington National Opera announced its departure from the Kennedy Center after over 40 years, severing ties in January due to a decline in ticket sales.
• Television producer Shonda Rhimes resigned from the board of trustees in February, while Renée Fleming and Ben Folds stepped down as artistic advisers.
• Other artists, including Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Peter Wolf, and Low Cut Connie, also canceled performances.
• Jeffrey Seller, producer of Hamilton, stated in a social media post that their show could not participate in the new culture.
• The head of artistic programming for the center resigned less than two weeks after his appointment.
• Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, also departed recently.

Financial Impact

An analysis for the Washington Post indicated a significant decline in ticket sales for the center the previous year, with 43% of tickets for typical productions unsold between September 3 and October 19. The center has experienced declining sales of subscription packages and tickets, with empty seats becoming common.

Impact on Organizations and Events

Questions remain regarding the fate of organizations, performers, and unions with open contracts, including:

• Long-running shows like Shear Madness
• Various unions, such as the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, whose contract is set to expire next month
• Announced touring productions, including The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Back to the Future: The Musical
• Annual events like the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Kennedy Center Honors, as President Trump's new East Wing ballroom is not expected to be ready in time

Concerns also exist regarding the future of valuable artworks and historical artifacts housed at the Kennedy Center, including a bust of President Kennedy and cultural treasures from African nations.

Historic Preservation Concerns

The preservation groups' lawsuit states that the Kennedy Center, established in 1971, serves as a memorial, a national arts gathering place, and a landmark with significant historical, architectural, and civic value. Architectural plans for the renovation have not been made public, and the Kennedy Center has declined to provide details on bidding, financing, or consulting experts.