WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Kennedy Center will move forward with layoffs in the days and weeks ahead, Executive Director Matt Floca said in an internal email to staff on Wednesday night. The layoffs come as the center plans to close for two years for renovations starting in July.

Floca's email said that next steps for affected employees would be shared in the coming days. It is unclear how many jobs will be affected by the layoffs.

The Kennedy Center confirmed the layoffs in a statement saying "Staffing decisions will support the broader move toward a successful closure for renovations." The center has employed more than 2,000 people in recent years.

The Kennedy Center board voted unanimously last week to close the center for two years for renovations. The Kennedy Center's planned closure is set for July 5.

Two federal lawsuits have been filed seeking to block the Kennedy Center's planned July 5 closure.

Floca became Executive Director of the Kennedy Center in March 2026, when the Kennedy Center board moved him into the role previously held by Ric Grenell. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Floca managed facilities and operations at the center until early March 2026.

President Donald Trump fired the Kennedy Center board and named himself chairman in February 2025. The board is handpicked by Trump.