TRUMP SAYS KENNEDY CENTRE WILL CLOSE FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS FOR CONSTRUCTION IN JULY

WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts will halt entertainment operations for roughly two years beginning in July to allow construction, reported Xinhua.

"The temporary closure will produce a much faster and higher quality result!" Trump wrote in a post on the social media platform Truth Social.

The centre will close on July 4th, 2026, "whereupon we will simultaneously begin construction of the new and spectacular entertainment complex," he said.

The announcement followed months of controversy over the Trump administration's management of the centre's programming and the recent renaming of the iconic building.

Several prominent artists cancelled performances at the Kennedy Centre. Most recently, composer Philip Glass announced his decision to withdraw his Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln," citing that the values represented by the institution under its current leadership were "in direct conflict" with the message of his work.

The centre, which was newly renamed the Trump Kennedy Centre, is widely regarded as the US's national cultural centre, hosting world-class performances in music, opera, drama, dance and other performing arts.

Since taking office for the second time, Trump has taken a very active role at the Kennedy Centre, ousting previous leadership and installing himself as board chair.

On Thursday night, the venue hosted the premiere of "Melania," a documentary about the first lady.

--BERNAMA-XINHUA