Washington, Feb. 2 -- Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following press release:

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the Kennedy Center, released the following statement after Trump announced a multi-year closure of the Kennedy Center:

President Trump's decision to close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts underscores the profound damage he's done to this iconic institution. Setting aside the sheer financial incompetence, his callous disregard for the history, mission, and legacy of the Kennedy Center is appalling. From firing the board of Trustees and installing himself as chair, to using political litmus tests to determine programming, to th...