Trump Threatens Kennedy Center Demolition as 100% of Paid Performances Vanish
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 28
Trump Threatens Kennedy Center Demolition as 100% of Paid Performances Vanish
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 28
Summary
Administration lawyers this week intensified a dispute over putting Trump’s name on the Kennedy Center, floating demolition if the demand is rejected.
The fight comes after Trump’s takeover gutted the institution: 100% of paid performances disappeared, 90% of employees left, and hundreds of millions of dollars in private donations dried up.
Trump has also announced plans to close the center for renovation, even as its finances crater and the venue is described as largely empty.
The Kennedy Center battle reflects a broader push to remake Washington’s cultural landmarks, a project that could cost well over $1 billion ahead of midterm elections.