The Kennedy Center in Washington DC will shut its doors for two years starting 4 July for renovations, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social. The closure coincides with the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Trump said the centre's name was changed to the Donald J Trump and the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in December, after he replaced several board members with his allies and became chairman. Following the renaming, several artists, including renowned composer Steven Schwartz and Doug Varone and the Dancers, cancelled their performances at the venue. A documentary premiere about First Lady Melania Trump was recently held there. Trump stated, "I have determined that The Trump Kennedy Center, if temporarily closed for construction, revitalization, and complete rebuilding, can be, without question, the finest performing arts facility of its kind, anywhere in the world." He added that closing the centre was necessary to ensure quality construction and speedy completion. Trump, unhappy with the building's condition, secured over $250 million in congressional funding for the renovations. However, the move has faced legal challenges, as the centre's original name was established by a 1964 law. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty filed a lawsuit to remove Trump's name, and members of John F Kennedy's family have criticized the renaming. Joe Kennedy III called the venue "a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law." The centre was originally dedicated shortly after President Kennedy's assassination.