Overview
- The president announced a complete closure for roughly two years following a yearlong review he says included contractors and arts advisors.
- Trump asserts financing is completed and fully in place, though no cost details or funding sources were provided.
- The move is contingent on a vote by the trustees, a board he overhauled and now chairs after the December decision to append his name to the complex.
- Cancellations and departures have escalated in recent weeks, including composer Philip Glass withdrawing a premiere and the Washington National Opera leaving the venue.
- The renaming has prompted a lawsuit from Rep. Joyce Beatty and objections from Kennedy family members, while staff turnover continues with programming chief Kevin Couch resigning shortly after his appointment.