UPDATE 1-Kennedy Center to cease entertainment operations for two years, Trump says

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.

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.