The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, was named in honor of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Texas nearly a decade before the venue opened in 1971.

On February 1, however, current President Donald Trump surprised officials by announcing that the institution would shut down for an extended period. The move followed earlier proposals by House Republicans to rename the landmark the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.” After facing significant opposition — including objections from members of the Kennedy family — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the venue would instead be referred to as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”

Trump later confirmed that the performing arts complex, which recently hosted the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, would close for approximately two years beginning July 4, 2026. The timing, he said, aligns with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.