...
By Gabe Whisnant
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
President Donald Trump said Monday that he will not tear down the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts but plans to close the landmark venue for about two years to carry out $200 million in extensive renovation work that he says cannot be done while performances continue.
Trump’s comments suggested the project would involve a sweeping overhaul of the building’s interior, even as the structure itself remains intact.
“I’m not ripping it down,” the president told reporters following an unrelated Oval Office announcement. “I’ll be using the steel. So, we’re using the structure.”
Read More on News
Interior Overhaul Would Reshape Iconic Arts Venue
The renovation would mark Trump’s latest effort to remake a major cultural institution in Washington. Congress designated the Kennedy Center as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, and it has long stood as one of the nation’s most prominent performing arts venues.
Trump announced Sunday in a social media post that the center would close on July 4 for roughly two years, subject to approval by its board. Trump is chairman of the board, which is now led largely by his allies.
The announcement came after a wave of cancellations by performers and arts organizations following Trump’s decision to remove the center’s previous leadership and add his name to the building.
Trump Says Building Unsafe and Deteriorating
Drawing on his background in construction and real estate, Trump said he took time to assess the building before deciding on the scope of the work.
“You want to sit with something for a little while before you decide on what you want to do,” he said.
“We sat with it. We ran it. It’s in very bad shape,” Trump said, describing the facility as “run down,” “dilapidated” and “sort of dangerous.”
He said ongoing performances make meaningful repairs impossible.
“You can’t do any work because people are coming in and out,” Trump said.
Kennedy Center Cost Estimated at $200 Million
Trump estimated the renovation would cost about $200 million and said it would include premium materials throughout the building.
“We’re using the highest‑grade marbles, the highest‑grade everything,” he said, adding that the project is fully financed and promised the center would reopen in dramatically improved condition.
“We’re going to close it and we’re going to make it unbelievable, far better than it ever was, and we’ll be able to do it properly,” Trump said.
He added that the building’s steel framework would be exposed and inspected during construction.
“The steel will all be checked out because it’ll be fully exposed,” Trump said. “It’s been up for a long time, but it was in very bad shape. Wasn’t kept well before I got there.”
...
Trump Reverses Earlier Plan to Keep Center Open
Trump had said in an October social media post that the Kennedy Center would remain open during construction. On Monday, he said that approach was no longer viable.
“I was thinking maybe there’s a way of doing it simultaneously, but there really isn’t,” Trump said. “When it opens, it’s going to be brand new, beautiful.”
He also promised new heating and air‑conditioning systems as part of the renovation.
Part of Broader Trump Push to Reshape DC Landmarks
The Kennedy Center project is one of several major construction and redevelopment efforts Trump has pursued since returning to the presidency.
He has already demolished the East Wing of the White House and launched a $400 million ballroom project. Trump is also pursuing plans for a triumphal arch near Arlington Bridge, across from the Lincoln Memorial, and has proposed changes to Washington Dulles International Airport.
Update, 2/2/26, 6:38 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
This Article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines