close
Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Kennedy Centre board backs Trump’s plan to close for two-year renovation

Last December, the Kennedy Centre board voted to rename the centre after Mr Trump.

• March 17, 2026
Kennedy Centre
Kennedy Centre

Kennedy Centre board of trustees, on Monday, voted to shut its building which hosts the United States’ national cultural arts institution.

According to a release by the performing arts centre on Monday, the board voted unanimously to “temporarily close the Center for a comprehensive revitalisation project.”

The board of trustees said the centre, which is to undergo a renovation, would be shut for a period of two years.

It added that the decision will “allow for the most comprehensive and efficient renovation effort, setting the stage for a revitalised national cultural and entertainment complex for all Americans to enjoy.”

The board said the centre would formally close after a July 4 celebration and would reopen in a grand manner when the renovation is completed.

Earlier in February, President Donald Trump announced that the centre will undergo a sweeping renovation and a multi-year closure.

“The Trump Kennedy Centre will close on July 4th, 2026, in honour of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex,” Mr Trump posted.

“We’re going to ensure it remains the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” he said.

The president noted that keeping the centre open during the renovation period would “cost far more, take much longer, and produce a far inferior result.”

Last December, the Kennedy Centre board voted to rename the centre after Mr Trump.

The decision raised public concern, being the first time a national institution would be named after a sitting U.S. president.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Samir Ousman Alsheikh

Hot news Home top

Former Syrian Assad prison official convicted of torture, immigration fraud in U.S.

A federal jury in Los Angeles on Monday convicted former Syrian prison official Samir Ousman Alsheikh of perpetrating torture and immigration fraud.

Tinubu at military parade

Africa

Russia announces exclusion of Kenyans from recruitment for Ukraine war as Tinubu ignores Nigerians’ call to act

The Kenyan government said at least 1,000 Kenyans have been previously recruited to fight in the war, a number far higher than earlier estimates.

Boko haram

Health

Suicide Bombings: Police deploy EOD to UMTH, Monday Market

The police also advised the public to report any suspicious activity through emergency lines: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

OPay

Economy

OPay launches XtraCova to strengthen consumer trust in digital finance

The product launch reaffirms OPay’s customer-first philosophy and its ongoing effort to build trust in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital payment landscape.

Erosion in Kano

States

Erosion Control: Oyo govt advises residents to halt disposing waste indiscriminately

The Oyo government has advised residents to stop open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of waste.

Female Genital Mutilation

Health

Many practising FGM in parts of Nigeria, says Wellspring Outreach

The Wellspring Outreach raised concern over the continued practice of female genital mutilation in parts of the country despite laws against the harmful practice.