WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, newly renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, will halt entertainment operations for roughly two years beginning in July to allow construction.

"The temporary closure will produce a much faster and higher quality result!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

The center will close on July 4th, 2026, "whereupon we will simultaneously begin construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex," he said.

The announcement followed months of controversy over the Trump administration's management of the center's programming and the recent renaming of the iconic building.

A number of prominent artists canceled performances at the Kennedy Center. Most recently, composer Philip Glass announced his decision to withdraw his Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln," citing that the values represented by the institution under its current leadership were "in direct conflict" with the message of his work.

The center is widely regarded as the United States' national cultural center, hosting world-class performances in music, opera, drama, dance and other performing arts.

Since taking office for the second time, Trump has taken a very active role at the Kennedy Center, ousting previous leadership and installing himself as board chair.

On Thursday night, the venue hosted the premiere of "Melania," a documentary about the first lady. ■