Anthropic Resists Pentagon Pressure Over Military AI Restrictions 
UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Condemns “Toxic” Attacks Amid Calls for Resignation 
U.S.-Canada Trade Talks Resume as Trump Administration Reviews USMCA 
Philippines, U.S., and Japan Conduct Joint Naval Drills in South China Sea to Boost Maritime Security 
Keir Starmer Faces Crucial By-Election Test in Manchester Amid Tight Three-Way Race 
U.S. Plans 4,500 Monthly Refugee Admissions for White South Africans Amid Policy Debate 
6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash 
IMF Urges U.S. to Cut Fiscal Deficit to Reduce Trade and Current Account Gaps 
Trump Approves FEMA Emergency Declaration After Massive Potomac River Sewage Spill 
Google and NBCUniversal Strike Multi-Year Deal to Keep NBC Shows on YouTube TV 
Trump-Inspired Cantonese Opera Brings Laughter and Political Satire to Hong Kong 
Melania Trump to Chair UN Security Council Meeting as U.S. Assumes Presidency 
Pulp are back and more wistfully Britpop than before 
Florida Senate Approves Bill to Rename Palm Beach International Airport After Donald Trump 
FAA Suspends Flights Near Fort Hancock, Texas After Suspected Laser Anti-Drone Incident 
USITC to Review Impact of Revoking China’s PNTR Status, Potentially Raising Tariffs on Chinese Imports 
President Donald Trump has proposed that the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts suspend all events for approximately two years, beginning July 4, as part of what he described as a major transformation plan for the iconic Washington, D.C. arts institution. The proposal was shared Sunday via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, and comes amid significant controversy surrounding recent leadership and structural changes at the Kennedy Center.
In his post, Trump stated that, subject to board approval, halting entertainment operations would be the fastest way to elevate what he referred to as “The Trump Kennedy Center” to a new level of “success, beauty, and grandeur.” He added that the temporary shutdown would allow for reconstruction and reorganization, culminating in a “Grand Reopening” that he claims would surpass any previous iteration of the performing arts facility.
The Kennedy Center, which traditionally hosts more than 2,000 events annually, has experienced mounting instability in recent months. This unrest followed Trump’s appointment as chairman, his efforts to shift the organization’s artistic direction, proposed reconstruction plans, and the board’s decision to add his name to the institution. These moves have sparked backlash across the arts and entertainment community.
As a result, several high-profile performers and productions have withdrawn from scheduled appearances. Notable cancellations include a touring production of the hit musical “Hamilton,” composer Philip Glass, and actress and producer Issa Rae. These withdrawals have raised concerns about the future of programming at one of the nation’s most prominent cultural venues.
Despite widespread attention and criticism, the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to media requests for comment regarding Trump’s proposed two-year shutdown. It remains unclear whether the board will approve the plan or how such a prolonged closure would impact staff, artists, and the broader cultural landscape.
The situation continues to evolve, drawing national attention as debates intensify over leadership, artistic freedom, and the future direction of the Kennedy Center.
