USA: Trump announces closure of Kennedy Centre for two years

Milan, 2 February (LaPresse/Ap) – US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will close the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington for two years starting in July for renovations, his latest proposal to revamp the historic venue since returning to the White House. Trump’s announcement on social media follows a wave of cancellations by prominent artists, musicians and groups since the president ousted the previous leadership and added his name to the building. Trump did not mention the recent cancellations in his post. His proposal, announced just days after the premiere of “Melania”, a documentary about the first lady screened at the centre, said it was subject to approval by the Kennedy Centre’s board of trustees, which has been replenished with allies of his choosing. Trump himself chairs the centre’s board of trustees. ‘This important decision, based on the input of many highly respected experts, will transform a tired and dilapidated centre, which has been in poor financial and structural condition for many years, into a bastion of world-class art, music and entertainment,’ Trump wrote in his post.