The Kennedy Center Arts Workers United, the union that represents workers at the facility, released a statement Tuesday in response to plans by President Trump to temporarily close the performing arts venue in D.C.
President Donald Trump announced Sunday the closure will start on July 4 for renovations, and last about two years.
“This important decision, based on input from many Highly Respected Experts, will take a tired, broken, and dilapidated Center, one that has been in bad condition, both financially and structurally for many years, and turn it into a World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump says the renovations will cost around $200 million, and will include replacing the roof and making some structural changes.
Union leaders said they received no formal notice or briefing about how the closure could affect jobs, benefits or contract rights for hundreds of workers and staff.
“We expect continued fair pay, enforceable worker protections, and accountability for our members in the event they cannot work due to an operational pause,” the union wrote in their statement. “Our members remain steadfast in bringing to life theatrical, music, opera, dance, and other live artistic performances in the nation’s capital that speak to and resonate with all Americans.
Artists such as Broadway icon Patty LuPone publicly criticized Trump’s plans, saying the plan was harmful to a national treasure.
“[Trump] cannot, cannot, cannot touch the Kennedy Center!” said LuPone.
Former President John F. Kennedy’s family members Jack Schlossberg, Maria Shriver and Joe Kennedy III called out Trump, saying in statements and social media posts that the closure appears politically motivated rather than necessary for repair.
“Trump can take the Kennedy Center for himself. He can change the name, shut the doors, and demolish the building. He can try to kill JFK,” Schlossberg, the grandson of Kennedy, wrote in an X post on Sunday. “But JFK is kept alive by us now rising up to remove Donald Trump, bring him to justice, and restore the freedoms generations fought for.”
On Capitol Hill, Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (also a Democrat) say they are concerned about oversight and regional impact. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, noted a full rebuild is necessary to preserve the landmark.
