A surprise Kennedy Center makeover episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 3, 2026 · 18 MIN

A surprise Kennedy Center makeover

from Post Reports · host The Washington Post

In his second term, President Donald Trump has gone on a mission to reinvent the Kennedy Center, the beloved performing arts venue in Washington, D.C.Trump promised to overhaul the center’s programming. He installed loyalists on the board who made him chairman. In December, Trump’s name joined John F. Kennedy’s on the building’s facade. This week, Trump announced further plans to close the center for two years as he undertakes a massive renovation. Details of the plan remain murky, but Trump says he intends to overhaul even the building’s marble facade. Style writer Travis Andrews has been reporting on Trump’s growing involvement with the Kennedy Center. Today, he joins Martine Powers to talk about why the president is so invested in the future of the institution — and why his plans have some people concerned. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, Thomas Lu and Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

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President Donald Trump announced he plans to close the Kennedy Center for two years to renovate it. He says the changes will make the performing arts center “brand-new and really beautiful” — but not everyone is convinced.

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A surprise Kennedy Center makeover

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