Overview
- Trump said the venue will close on July 4, 2026, for roughly two years, describing a rebuild that reuses the structure’s steel and some marble and estimating costs at about $200 million.
- The National Symphony Orchestra said it first learned of the closure from Trump’s post, creating a scheduling and financial crunch for an ensemble that plans seasons years ahead and is weighing DAR Constitution Hall as an alternative.
- The shutdown plan still requires board approval, and legal experts note the recent renaming could face statutory hurdles that restrict adding new memorials or plaques to the federally created center.
- Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins said the announcement took them by surprise, pointing to a $257 million congressional appropriation that did not contemplate a full closure.
- Backlash from the arts community has intensified, with Patti LuPone urging resistance and a roster of artists and companies canceling appearances, contributing to falling ticket sales.