The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, was named in honor of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Texas nearly a decade before the venue opened in 1971.

On February 1, however, current President Donald Trump surprised officials by announcing that the institution would shut down for an extended period. The move followed earlier proposals by House Republicans to rename the landmark the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.” After facing significant opposition — including objections from members of the Kennedy family — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the venue would instead be referred to as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”

Trump later confirmed that the performing arts complex, which recently hosted the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, would close for approximately two years beginning July 4, 2026. The timing, he said, aligns with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Following consultations with contractors, arts organizations, and industry advisors, the administration decided that all performances would be suspended during the renovation period.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the center as financially and structurally deteriorated and said the overhaul would transform it into a “world-class bastion of arts, music, and entertainment.”

During remarks in the Oval Office, he clarified that the structure would not be demolished but extensively refurbished. According to Trump, portions of the steel framework and marble would be reused, and the finished result would be a “new and beautiful landmark” built to the highest standards. He also pledged the venue would reopen as a “new and spectacular entertainment complex.”

The decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers in both parties. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said there had never been discussion of completely shutting down the center for renovations. Representative Chellie Pingree, the top Democrat overseeing funding for the center, told ABC News she is reviewing whether the president has authority to close the institution without congressional approval. She called the move “a total outrage.”

Ohio Representative Joyce Beatty also criticized the plan on X, alleging that the shutdown followed tensions between the administration and performers opposed to what she described as a partisan takeover and renaming effort.

Most recently, the Kennedy Center hosted the premiere of a documentary about Melania Trump. The film, directed by Brett Ratner and released by Amazon MGM Studios, has received sharply divided reactions. Some reviewers labeled it overly polished and lacking depth, while others defended it. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave the documentary a low rating, whereas audience scores were overwhelmingly positive.

Debate over the center’s future — and its leadership and identity — continues.