Kennedy Center Plans Major Staff Cuts, Closure Ahead of Two-Year Renovation

The Kennedy Center is preparing for significant staff reductions as it moves toward a major renovation under President Donald Trump.

On Tuesday, the center's president informed employees that most departments will be reduced to skeletal teams, with some operations paused until a planned reopening in 2028. The goal, he said, is to maintain core operations while preparing for the venue's return.

The center—renamed the Trump Kennedy Center by its board last year—is expected to close as early as July for the two-year renovation project. The changes follow a year of sweeping leadership and programming shifts that coincided with declining ticket sales and canceled performances.

Trump says the closure is subject to board approval. It remains unclear whether the board has formally approved the plan or when a final decision is expected.