City Cast DC Trump Closing Kennedy Center, National Guard's Price Tag, Snow May Decide Next Mayor
Feb 3, 2026
Alex Koma, WAMU reporter covering D.C. politics and on-the-ground news. He discusses Trump’s plan to close the Kennedy Center and the board, artists and staff fleeing the institution. Conversation covers whether federal rules would allow major changes. They also examine how the recent snow response exposed plowing inequities and the city’s political fallout, plus the National Guard’s bill and its value.
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Federal Control Gives Trump Leverage
- Trump can likely push major changes at the federally controlled Kennedy Center because he appointed its board.
- Significant renovations or a temporary two-year closure are plausible despite local pushback and recent upgrades.
Artists And Audiences Are Withdrawing
- Julia and Alex describe artists and audiences pulling out, leaving lower-caliber acts like Adam Carolla and Jeff Foxworthy booked.
- They use those examples to show how programming changes worsen attendance and revenue problems.
Staff Loss Threatens Institutional Memory
- Staff attrition at the Kennedy Center risks leaving too few experienced workers after any closure or overhaul.
- Replacing lost institutional knowledge could force reliance on loyalists rather than skilled arts administrators.