United States of America

Kennedy Center Board Backs 2-Year Closure, Trump Inscription

Will this lead to a needed rescue of a neglected landmark or is it an unlawful personal branding of a public arts icon?

Published 3 hours ago

Kennedy Center Board Backs 2-Year Closure, Trump Inscription

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Above: Scaffolding and a large protective tarp covering part of the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 13. Image credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

This vote proves that President Trump was right to force action on restoring the Kennedy Center properly. Rusted steel, failing systems and years of neglect are cause for a full renovation. An inscription for Trump — or any tributes to him — is fair because the president is rescuing and protecting a national treasure for future audiences.

Eric Daugherty on X

Paul A. Szypula on X

Myrna X on X

Anti-Trump narrative

Once again, Trump is leading with his ego and ordering his administration and his followers on the Kennedy Center board to disobey court orders. A rushed two-year shutdown, thin support for closure and a workaround inscription would turn a public arts landmark into a vanity project. National monuments deserve lawful stewardship.

Democracy Defenders Fund

Chuck Todd on X

Areva Martin, Esq. on X