Trump Kennedy Center's board votes unanimously to approve $257M renovations and two-year closure

The board unanimously approved the changes, according to a source familiar with the vote, 

Allocations for the project, set aside in Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, are set to cost $257 million.

Last year, Trump installed a hand-picked set of board members, leading Democratic critics to condemn the center's management and its renovation as direct control from the White House.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., an ex officio member of the board, blasted Monday's vote, arguing the renovations were made unilaterally.

Ex officio members provide lawmakers input on the management of the Kennedy Center.

Ric Grenell, the now-former Kennedy Center president, pushed back on characterizations from Democrats, stating that lawmakers have had multiple opportunities to speak into the process.

"My reaction is - last summer we gave you this information, you could have joined any number of the tours we were giving to members of Congress."

Trump promised the center would return with a "grand reopening" after the renovations are complete.