WASHINGTON, D.C.: The board of directors of the Kennedy Center voted on March 16 to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations, following the numerous resignations and cancellations during President Donald Trump's second term.

President Trump himself has cited the need for repairs as a reason for the closure.

"We're going to ensure it remains the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world," Trump told reporters at the White House before the board met.

The board also replaced Richard Grenell, a Trump ally, with Matt Floca as the new CEO and executive director. Grenell had overseen major changes at the venue that angered many artists and worsened the center's financial problems. Trump praised Grenell, calling him a longtime friend, and wished Floca success in his new role.

The Kennedy Center said the vote was unanimous, although Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio, did not vote. Beatty is an ex officio member of the board and had sued after the Trump administration tried to block her from attending the March 16 meeting. Over the weekend, a federal judge ruled that she could attend the meeting but did not require the board to allow her to vote.

Trump hosted the board meeting at the White House, highlighting his strong influence over the Kennedy Center during his second term. Soon after returning to office last year, he removed the center's previous leaders and replaced them with a board he selected, which later named him chairman. He also brought in Grenell, who had served in several roles during Trump's first term, when Trump mostly ignored the Kennedy Center.

Since then, the center has added more programming that appeals to Trump supporters, including hosting the premiere of first lady Melania Trump's documentary, "Melania." The board also said it had renamed the venue the Trump Kennedy Center and added the president's name to the building's front. However, scholars and lawmakers say only Congress can approve such a name change.

The arts community reacted strongly. Actor Issa Rae, musician Béla Fleck, and author Louise Penny were among many artists who canceled their appearances. Consultants such as musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming also resigned. Earlier this month, Jean Davidson, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, left to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

Without mentioning the canceled events, Trump said in February that he planned to close the Kennedy Center to repair what he described as a deteriorating building.

Before the planned closure, Grenell warned staff that upcoming cuts would reduce teams to very small numbers.

Floca, who is replacing Grenell, had been serving as vice president of operations. According to his LinkedIn profile, he joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024 during the Biden administration.