Kennedy Center shutters for two years as artists grapple with uncertainty

Trump announced a two-year closure of the Kennedy Center for renovations, a move that comes amid rising artist cancellations and a drop in subscriptions and ticket sales. While some performances—from the National Symphony Orchestra to shows like Mrs. Doubtfire—remain on the calendar, many artists are left in limbo and questions loom about the impact on annual events such as the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize. Critics argue the move signalsTrump’s influence and vanity rather than an arts-focused mission, while center leadership frames it as a brief, revitalizing renovation.