Trump pushes two-year Kennedy Center shutdown for renovations amid artist backlash

President Trump announced a two-year closure of the Kennedy Center starting in July for major renovations, a move that has drawn backlash from performers and prompted the Washington National Opera to relocate performances. Trump, who chairs the center's board, says the renovation will modernize the venue and accelerate completion, but critics question the disrepair claims and note the plan requires board approval amid broader Trump-era reshaping of DC landmarks.