Trump’s plan to close Kennedy Center for two years shocks workers and performers

President Trump announced that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close this July for a two-year construction project, a sudden decision that on Monday left workers, performers and ticket holders facing immediate uncertainty. “We’re kind of in shock right now,” said Anne Vantine, president of a union local representing box office workers, who said she spent much of the night after the president’s announcement fielding calls and texts from employees fearful of losing their jobs.

Mr. Trump described the center as dilapidated and said it would be renovated into a “new and spectacular Entertainment Complex.” The closing date — July 4, the country’s 250th anniversary — surprised center executives, patrons and some members of the institution’s board. Leaders of the National Symphony Orchestra said the center had assured them it would help find other venues during the renovation; Joan Bialek and Jean Davidson told musicians, orchestra staff and the orchestra’s board, “The Center’s administration is committed to the National Symphony Orchestra and its role in Washington, D.C.

and beyond.” The administration has added people loyal to Mr. Trump to the Kennedy Center’s board, which later voted to add the president’s name to the building’s marble facade. Prominent artists, including the soprano Renée Fleming, pulled out of performances, and Philip Glass told the National Symphony Orchestra he was withdrawing a symphony he had written for it.

john f. kennedy center, kennedy center closure, two-year construction project, july 4 closing date, donald trump renovation, entertainment complex plan, national symphony orchestra, renée fleming withdrawal, philip glass withdrawal, anne vantine union, ticket handling uncertainty, kennedy center board