By Greg Bensinger
Feb 1 (Reuters) – The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts should not host any events for two years, starting on July 4, President Donald Trump posted on Sunday.
“Based on these findings, and totally subject to Board approval, I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur, is to cease Entertainment Operations for an approximately two year period of time, with a scheduled Grand Reopening that will rival and surpass anything that has taken place with respect to such a Facility before,” Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.
The arts and entertainment center, in Washington, has been marked by turmoil in recent months following Trump’s appointment as chairman, his push to change the organization’s focus, plans for reconstruction and the board’s addition of his name to the institution.
The center historically has hosted over 2,000 events per year, according to the website, although many performers have pulled out of planned shows since Trump’s shakeup began.
Among those who cancelled performances in recent months are a touring production of the musical “Hamilton,” composer Philip Glass and actress Issa Rae.
The Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.
(Reporting by Greg Bensinger in San Francisco and Arriana McLymore in New York; Editing by Sergio Non, Chris Reese and Diane Craft)
