1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to stop the hostile takeover and planned closure of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. President Trump's announcement that he will close the Kennedy Center for two years starting July 4, 2026, and rename it "The Trump Kennedy Center" represents an unprecedented assault on one of our nation's most important cultural institutions. In February 2025, Trump fired multiple members of the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees and installed himself as chairman, then packed the board with his administration officials including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, second lady Usha Vance, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. This consolidation of power over a memorial to President Kennedy is deeply inappropriate and threatens the institution's independence. The damage is already evident. The Washington Post reported in late October that ticket sales have plummeted since Trump's takeover. High-profile artists and productions including actress Issa Rae and the Broadway show "Hamilton" have canceled appearances at the venue. Rather than rescuing the Kennedy Center financially as claimed, Trump's leadership is destroying it. The Kennedy Center serves as a national performing arts center and memorial to President Kennedy. It should not be controlled by any sitting president, renamed for personal glorification, or shuttered for years during what Trump claims will be a "complete rebuilding" with financing that lacks transparency or congressional oversight. I urge you to introduce or support legislation that restores the Kennedy Center's independent governance, removes Trump from the board, reverses the name change, and prevents the planned closure. This institution belongs to the American people, not to one individual's ego. Please act now to protect this vital cultural landmark.