Kennedy Center starting layoffs ahead of planned closure |
Kennedy Center starting layoffs ahead of planned closure
The Kennedy Center is beginning the process of laying off employees ahead of a two-year closure.
“We will begin executing the difficult staffing decisions that support the broader operational changes required to meet the realities of this time at the Center,” Matt Floca, the Kennedy Center’s executive director, said in an email to staff this week, NBC News reported on Thursday.
In his email, Floca told employees at the Washington performing arts institution that “these decisions have not been made lightly.”
“It is my sincere intention that each personnel action be carried out with consideration and care,” he said in the note. The message didn’t indicate how many employees would potentially be affected.
“Staffing decisions will support the broader move toward a successful closure for renovations,” a Kennedy Center spokesperson told ITK in a statement.
News of the layoffs was first reported by The Washington Post.
The email about layoffs came weeks after President Trump announced that Floca would be succeeding Ric Grenell as CEO and executive director of the center.
In a surprise move last month, Trump said that the Kennedy Center would close as part of a two-year restoration project poised to begin in July.
“The Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex,” he wrote in a Truth Social post.
The move to temporarily shutter the arts hub came following a whirlwind year.
Shortly after taking office last year, Trump booted several bipartisan members of the Kennedy Center’s board and installed himself as its chairman. The shakeup led to several artists canceling their scheduled performances in protest of Trump’s actions and reported declining ticket sales.
In December, the board voted to rename the center “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” Both the name change and planned closure are being challenged in court.
Updated at 10:24 a.m. EDT
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
More In The Know News
Senate Democrats defeat amendment to require photo ID to vote
Montana Senate candidate says he will introduce bill to draft Graham if elected
Senate agrees to fund TSA and most of DHS, but not ICE
Judge asked to take Trump name off Kennedy Center
Trump disapproval highest in both terms: Fox News poll
House Ethics panel finds 25 of 27 counts against Cherfilus-McCormick proven
How Trump lost the war with Iran
Cooper leads Whatley by 8 points in NC Senate race: Survey
House Democrats appear ready to back Senate DHS funding deal
Trump slams ‘terrible’ Fox News polls
Rubio faces skeptical Europe at critical moment for Iran war
Here are Iran’s 5 conditions for ending war after rejecting US ceasefire plan
Platner holds commanding lead over Mills in Maine Senate race: Poll
Florida wins after Trump takeover leave Democrats feeling brighter about ...
Live updates: Senate deal to fund DHS faces tricky path in House
Are migrating Democrats turning Florida blue?
Luna hosts Russian lawmakers to mixed GOP reactions, outrage from others
Trump says ‘military wanted’ White House ballroom: ‘That was supposed to ...
The Hill Podcasts – Morning Report