February 2, 2026
Kennedy Center to close for 2 years after Trump changes
Trump will chair board as Kennedy Center closes in July 2026
🏛️Government
Trump announced on Feb. 2, 2026, that the Kennedy Center will close for two years starting in July. He said the closure is for extensive renovations. Trump said we are going to make the Kennedy Center GREAT AGAIN.
Trump appointed himself as chairman of a new Kennedy Center board. He also appointed Richard Grenell to lead the center temporarily during the transition. Grenell previously served as acting Director of National Intelligence.
Trump banned drag shows at the Kennedy Center. A week of LGBTQ+ events scheduled for April 2026 was canceled. Board treasurer Shonda Rhimes resigned after Trump changes to programming.
The musical Hamilton announced it would cancel upcoming Kennedy Center shows. The cancellation came after Trump imposed content restrictions. Hamilton had been a signature Kennedy Center production.
🏛️Government
People, bills, and sources
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Richard Grenell
Temporary Kennedy Center director
Shonda Rhimes
Former Kennedy Center Board treasurer
What you can do
1
civic action
Demand Congress restore funding for federally-funded cultural institutions after Trump appoints himself as Kennedy Center chairman
The Kennedy Center receives federal funding but presidential appointees control programming. Trump appointed himself as board chairman and banned certain performances at a federally-funded institution. Congress can impose requirements on how federal cultural funding is used.
Hello, I am [NAME], a constituent from [CITY]. I am calling about the Kennedy Center closure announcement on Feb. 2, 2026.\n\nKey concerns:\n- President Trump appointed himself as board chairman and banned drag shows at a federally-funded institution\n- A week of LGBTQ+ events was canceled\n- Board treasurer Shonda Rhimes resigned\n- Hamilton canceled its shows\n- The center received $257 million in federal funding through Trump One Big Beautiful Bill\n\nQuestions to ask:\n- Should federal cultural funding come with First Amendment protections?\n- Does the [Representative/Senator] support the $257 million in federal funding given the content restrictions?\n\nSpecific request: I am asking [Representative/Senator NAME] to ensure federal cultural funding comes with protections for diverse programming and artistic freedom.\n\nQuestion: What is the [Representative/Senator] position on content restrictions at federally-funded cultural institutions?\n\nThank you for your time.
2
civic action
Contact Kennedy Center board members about programming decisions
Trump new board includes administration officials and loyalists. The board decides what performances the center presents. Public pressure on board members can influence programming decisions.
Hello, I am [NAME] from [CITY/STATE]. I am calling about the Kennedy Center programming under the new board.\n\nKey concerns:\n- Since President Trump became chairman in February 2025, artists including Renée Fleming, Philip Glass, and the Hamilton production have canceled performances\n- The center banned drag shows and canceled LGBTQ+ events\n- Board treasurer Shonda Rhimes resigned\n\nQuestions to ask:\n- Will the board reverse the drag show ban and LGBTQ+ event cancellations?\n- Will the board ensure the Kennedy Center serves diverse communities and respects artistic freedom?\n\nSpecific request: I am asking board members to ensure the Kennedy Center serves diverse communities and respects artistic freedom. Will the board reverse the content restrictions that have caused this wave of cancellations?\n\nThank you for your time.