Kennedy Center board approves 2-year closure for renovation / Photo: © AFP
-
Ex-F1 driver turned Paralympic champion Zanardi dies
-
In Vietnam, Japan PM vows more effort to keep Asia 'free and open'
-
Humpback whale stranded in Germany released into North Sea: media
-
Japan PM meets top Vietnam leaders in Hanoi
-
Spirit Airlines begins 'wind-down', cancels all flights
-
Japan PM to meet top Vietnam leaders in Hanoi
-
Raisin moonshine banned in Iran enjoys resurgence in New York
-
Lebanon says 13 killed in Israeli strikes in south
-
No.1 Korda charges into share of LPGA Mexico lead
-
Young fires 67 to seize commanding PGA lead at Doral
-
US appeals court temporarily halts mail delivery of abortion pill
-
Joy for Norris in Miami as McLaren end Mercedes run
-
Leclerc offers hope to Ferrari fans in Miami
-
US to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany
-
'No going back' for Colombia's workers as the right eyes return
-
Norris on sprint pole as McLaren shine again
-
Venezuelan protesters call government wage hike a joke
-
Leeds beat Burnley to virtually secure Premier League survival
-
Gridlock as pandemic treaty talks fail to finish
-
S&P 500, Nasdaq end at fresh records on tech earnings strength
-
Immersive art: museum-goers in bikinis dive into Cezanne
-
Gaza activists disperse after flotilla halted by Israel off Crete
-
US sanctions are 'collective punishment,' says Cuba during May 1 marches
-
Delhi end slump with team-record chase against Rajasthan
-
Trump says will raise US tariffs on EU cars to 25%
-
AI actors and writers not eligible for Oscars: Academy
-
Rebels take key military base in Mali's north
-
ExxonMobil CEO sees chance of higher oil prices as earnings dip
-
Leclerc on top for Ferrari ahead of Verstappen and Piastri
-
Trump says 'not satisfied' with new Iran proposal
-
After Madonna and Lady Gaga, Shakira set for Rio beach mega-gig
-
Trump says will raise US tariffs on EU cars, trucks to 25%
-
Godon raises game to take Romandie stage and revenge over leader Pogacar
-
Celtic's O'Neill expects no let-up from Hibs despite fans' feelings
-
Pope names former undocumented migrant as US bishop
-
Javelin star Kitaguchi teams up with Czech legend Zelezny
-
Sawe sub-2hr marathon captured 'global imagination' says Coe
-
King Charles gets warm welcome in Bermuda after whirlwind US visit
-
Sinner shines to beat Fils, reach Madrid Open final
-
UK court clears comedy writer of damaging transgender activist's phone
-
Was LIV Golf an expensive failure for Saudis? Not everyone thinks so
-
Coe hails IOC gender testing decision
-
McInnes wants Tynecastle in 'full glory' for Hearts title charge
-
McFarlane says troubled Chelsea still attractive to potential managers
-
Man Utd boss Carrick relishes 'special' Liverpool rivalry
-
Baguettes take centre stage on France's Labour Day
-
Spurs must banish 'loser' mentality despite injury woes, says De Zerbi
-
Arsenal must manage emotions of title race says Arteta
-
Nepal temple celebrates return of stolen Buddha statue
-
US Fed official says rate hikes may be needed if inflation surges
Kennedy Center board approves 2-year closure for renovation
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington will close for two years for refurbishment, its board unanimously approved Monday, after President Donald Trump's takeover of the storied venue generated anger and performance cancellations.
The board, consisting of allies hand-picked by Trump, also approved the appointment of Matt Floca as president of the Kennedy Center, to replace former head Richard Grenell.
Trump announced last month the closure of the Kennedy Center for renovations starting July 4, "whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex," he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump has stamped his mark on the Kennedy Center since the start of his second term, part of an assault on US cultural institutions that his administration has accused of being too left-wing.
The 79-year-old installed himself as chairman of the board for the center, originally named after president John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.
Then in December the board voted to rename it the "Trump-Kennedy" center.
A cascade of artists canceled performances at the venue in response to the move, and US media reported that ticket sales at the Kennedy Center had fallen to their lowest level since the Covid pandemic.
Trump has denied that he plans to bulldoze the center, and posted two renderings on social media last week of what it would look like when refurbished.
P.Vogel--VB