U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to close the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts for about two years. The shutdown is set to begin in July. Trump said the closure aims to renovate the national arts center in Washington and elevate it to “the highest level of success, beauty, and grandeur.” He shared the news on Truth Social, calling the project a “grand reopening” that would surpass anything the center has seen before. The center would close on July 4, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Trump added that the closure still requires approval from the center’s board, and claimed that financing for the reconstruction is complete. The Kennedy Center has faced turmoil since Trump appointed himself chairman last year. He filled the board with allies and successfully renamed the institution the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Many artists and groups canceled performances in protest. Composer Philip Glass withdrew the world premiere of his symphony “Lincoln.” The Washington National Opera announced plans to leave after 50 years, while the popular musical “Hamilton” canceled its 2026 engagement. The Martha Graham Dance Company also pulled its next scheduled appearance. Democrats and the Kennedy family criticized the renaming, saying Trump’s changes have no legal force and undermine John F. Kennedy’s legacy. Historically, the Kennedy Center hosts over 2,000 events yearly, including the Kennedy Center Honors every December. Trump’s reconstruction plan follows other controversial projects. He recently announced the East Wing of the White House would be bulldozed to make way for a $300 million ballroom funded largely by private donations. He has also proposed building a 250-foot Independence Arch monument. The Kennedy Center’s current schedule still lists shows for July through September, including “Moulin Rouge,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “The Outsiders.” Representatives of these productions have not responded to comments regarding the closure. The closure has sparked backlash from artists and cultural organizations. Many see Trump’s takeover as politicizing a national cultural institution. Critics argue that the center should remain focused on arts and performance rather than personal branding and political projects. Some Democrats also warned that the president’s reconstruction and renaming plans could diminish the center’s historical significance. Despite the controversy, Trump insists the renovation will be transformative and globally impressive. If approved, the two-year shutdown will mark the most significant interruption in the Kennedy Center’s operations in decades. Trump’s supporters say the changes will bring innovation and grandeur, while opponents worry about long-term damage to the center’s reputation and cultural legacy. The center has been a key venue for performing arts in the U.S., hosting thousands of events annually and showcasing American music, theater, and dance. The upcoming renovations are expected to dramatically reshape both its appearance and operations. As the July closure approaches, the arts community and the public await more details about how the center will operate during reconstruction and what the final design of the Trump Kennedy Center will look like.