Trump plans to close Kennedy Center for two years

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to close the Kennedy Center in Washington for approximately two years for extensive renovations, which are scheduled to begin in July. The closure would symbolically coincide with July 4, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Trump claims that this is the fastest way to turn the center into a "spectacular" cultural facility that will exceed all previous standards after its reopening. However, the closure still needs to be approved by the board of trustees, which the president has recently filled with his allies.

The Kennedy Center has been at the center of controversy for months after Trump took control of the institution, changed its leadership, and pushed through its renaming to the Trump Kennedy Center.

Several artists and ensembles responded by canceling their performances, including composer Philip Glass and the producers of the musical Hamilton.

Critics, including Democrats and the family of John F. Kennedy, argue that the renaming and interference in the center's operations undermine its historical and cultural legacy.

(reuters, pir)