Seized, subverted, shuttered: a year in Trump’s assault on the Kennedy Center | US news | The Guardian

This article explores the rapid decline of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC under President Trump's administration. Since a Truth Social post in February 2025, the center has lost its leadership, had its name changed, and is now set to close for two years. Trump's takeover has led to the cancellation of performances, dwindling audiences, and the departure of key staff and programs. Critics argue that Trump's actions have damaged one of America's great cultural institutions, potentially leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and support networks.