Kennedy Center Warns of Cuts, 'Skeletal' Staffing During Renovation Closure

Kennedy Center President says departments will 'function on a much smaller scale' during two-year shutdown

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. is warning staff that a planned two-year renovation shutdown will lead to job cuts and 'skeletal teams.' In a memo, Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell told employees that 'departments will obviously function on a much smaller scale with some units totally reduced or on hold until we begin preparations to reopen in 2028,' promising 'permanent or temporary adjustments for most everyone.'

Why it matters

The Kennedy Center is a renowned performing arts venue that has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. However, under the Trump administration, the center has faced significant leadership changes and declining ticket revenue. The upcoming renovation closure is expected to have a major impact on the center's operations and staffing.

The details

Grenell's memo states that over the next few months, department heads will be 'evaluating the needs and making the decisions as to what these skeletal teams left in place during the facility and closure and construction phase will look like.' The Kennedy Center is slated to close in early July for the renovations, but few details have been released about the project. Neither Trump nor Grenell have provided evidence to support claims about the building being in disrepair, and last October, Trump had pledged it would remain open during renovations.

  • The Kennedy Center is slated to close in early July 2026 for a two-year renovation.
  • The center is expected to reopen in 2028 after the renovations are complete.

The players

Richard Grenell

The President of the Kennedy Center who warned staff about impending job cuts and 'skeletal teams' during the renovation closure.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who announced the Kennedy Center renovation plan and added his name to the building in December 2025, ousting the center's previous leadership.

Kennedy Center Arts Workers United

A union that represents artists and arts professionals affiliated with the Kennedy Center.

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What they’re saying

“This renovation represents a generational investment in our future. When we reopen, we will do so as a stronger organization — one that honors our legacy while expanding our impact.”

— Richard Grenell, President, Kennedy Center (beaumontenterprise.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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