Broadway Star Patti LuPone Slams Trump's Plan to Close Kennedy Center

LuPone calls on arts supporters to speak out against the president's proposed two-year shutdown of the iconic Washington venue.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:07pm by

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Broadway star Patti LuPone delivered a blistering onstage rebuke of President Donald Trump's plan to close the Kennedy Center for two years, calling the president a 'buffoon' and urging arts supporters to 'rise up and speak' out against the proposal. LuPone's remarks come as Trump's closure plan has already destabilized the institution's calendar and left some of its biggest tenants scrambling to reschedule performances.

Why it matters

The Kennedy Center is one of the most iconic arts venues in the United States, serving as the home for the National Symphony Orchestra and hosting a wide range of performing arts events. Trump's plan to shut down the center for a major renovation has raised concerns about the impact on the arts community and the public's access to cultural programming.

The details

At a recent concert in New York, LuPone addressed the audience and called on arts supporters to speak out against Trump's plan, which he has sought to implement since returning to office. The shutdown has already led to the cancellation or rescheduling of numerous performances, including by the National Symphony Orchestra, composer Philip Glass, soprano Renée Fleming, and others. Despite the turmoil, the San Francisco Ballet remains scheduled to perform at the Kennedy Center in May, drawing criticism from some patrons who argue the company should withdraw.

  • On February 2, 2026, Patti LuPone delivered her onstage rebuke of Trump's plan at a concert in New York.
  • On February 4, 2026, NBC News reported that the National Symphony Orchestra was caught off-guard by the announcement and first learned of it from Trump's social media post.
  • The Kennedy Center is set to cease performances on July 4, 2026 and remain dark for roughly two years while undergoing renovations.

The players

Patti LuPone

A three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway star who is set to appear in San Francisco in March 2026.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has proposed a two-year shutdown of the Kennedy Center for renovations.

National Symphony Orchestra

The Kennedy Center's largest resident tenant, which has been caught off-guard by the announcement and is facing complications in long-range scheduling.

San Francisco Ballet

A dance company that remains scheduled to perform at the Kennedy Center in May 2026, drawing criticism from some patrons.

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What they’re saying

“This is now about the Kennedy Center. It's time for us, it's time for us — it's over time for us — to rise up, and speak! He cannot, cannot, cannot touch the Kennedy Center!”

— Patti LuPone

“I'm sorry, but I'm so mad. This, actually, strikes close to home because art is the soul of the nation. And think about it, when was the last time you heard the words 'art' and 'culture' in a conversation in this country? And we have to speak up again. We just have to elevate it, and one of the ways we're going to elevate it is to keep the building standing. OK? That's it.”

— Patti LuPone

What’s next

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The takeaway

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