The Washington, D.C., arts community is split between defiant protest and quiet resignation since President Donald Trump took control of one of its national treasures, the Kennedy Center. "It's a hostile takeover,

Kennedy Center artists are deciding to cancel or perform. Ticket sales dropped roughly 50 percent after Trump announced he would take over the venue, sources said.

Richard Grenell, the center’s new president, told a conservative gathering that the “big change” at the center would be a “huge celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas.”

Award-winning singer-musician Rhiannon Giddens has become the latest artist to call off an appearance at the Kennedy Center, which has been in upheaval since President Donald Trump forced out the center's leadership and was elected chair of the board of trustees.

"The Kennedy Center show was booked long before the current administration decided to take over this previously non-political institution," Giddens explained in her post. "I will

This shows Rhiannon Giddens performing during a rehearsal for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston, on July 3, 2018. [AP/YONHAP] Award-winning singer-musician Rhiannon Giddens has become the latest artist to call off an appearance at the Kennedy Center,