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In a statement delivered from the Oval Office on Monday, President Trump shared his plans to maintain the fundamental framework of the Kennedy Center during its upcoming renovation phase. The extensive project, projected to span two years, carries an estimated cost of over $200 million.
“I’m not ripping it down. I’ll be using the steel,” Trump assured reporters following the announcement of a new strategic mineral reserve aimed at bolstering the American auto industry. His commitment to preserving parts of the iconic structure extends to its materials, as he further explained, “We’re using the structure. We’re using some of the marble, and some of the marble comes down. But when it’s open, it’ll be brand new and really beautiful.”
Highlighting the financial scope of the endeavor, Trump reiterated that the renovation costs are expected to reach $200 million. This substantial investment underscores the significance of the restoration project, which aims to rejuvenate the Kennedy Center while respecting its historical essence.
The announcement follows Trump’s Sunday declaration that the Kennedy Center, newly renamed by the board during his second term as The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, will undergo a two-year closure for this ambitious renovation effort. The renovation promises to enhance the cultural landmark, ensuring its continued prominence in the arts community.
The comments come after Trump announced on Sunday that the Kennedy Center, which new the board that took over in the president’s second term voted to rename The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, would be closed for two years for a restoration project.
The announcement, like the name change, has drawn backlash from Trump’s critics and members of the Kennedy family.
“While this trespass on the People’s will is painful, President Kennedy would remind us that it is not buildings that define the greatness of a nation. It is the actions of its people and its leaders,” former Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.), John F. Kennedy’s great-nephew, said in a post on X.
Maria Shriver, John F. Kennedy’s niece, suggested the reason for the closure is due to performers canceling due to the center’s recent name change adding Trump’s name.
“I’ve determined that due to this change in schedule, it’s best for me to close this center down and rebuild a new center that will bear my name, which will surely get everybody to stop talking about the fact that everybody’s canceling… right?” Shriver wrote in a post.