Overview
- President Trump announced the performing arts complex will shut for roughly two years for a “complete rebuilding,” with construction to begin on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- He said project financing is “fully in place,” though outlets report no public details on total cost or funding sources.
- The closure follows extensive cancellations after the board appended Trump’s name, including withdrawals by Philip Glass, Renée Fleming and “Hamilton,” and the Washington National Opera’s decision to leave.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty has filed a federal lawsuit contesting the renaming, arguing the center’s status as a congressional JFK memorial bars such changes without lawmakers’ approval.
- Key uncertainties persist over staffing, contracts and the National Symphony Orchestra’s plans, even as a recent federal package allocated $257 million for repairs.