Photo Shows Trump Examining Apparent Kennedy Center Demolition Reference Amid Legal Fight
9 sourcesUpdated Sep 17, 2026
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President Trump was photographed aboard Air Force One examining a partially obscured poster that appeared to reference demolishing the Kennedy Center, though the image’s full contents and authenticity have not been independently verified. The photo surfaced after Trump said the performing arts center could close or be “ripped down” unless his administration receives recognition on the building, amid his dispute with a federal judge who ordered his name removed from the venue. The Kennedy Center’s board, dominated by Trump appointees, voted to temporarily close the main building because of safety concerns and pursue renovations estimated at roughly $250 million to $257 million. Lawyers for Rep. Joyce Beatty cited Trump’s remarks and the photograph in asking the court to block or scrutinize the closure, while the Justice Department argued that the shutdown is necessary to address significant hazards.
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Trump shouldn't be threatening to tear down the Kennedy Center just because he wants his name on it.
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