The Kennedy Center came dangerously close to being demolished.

According to Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell, the iconic cultural hub in Washington was in such disrepair that engineers initially advised demolishing it and rebuilding from scratch. Grenell shared these startling details during a conversation with the Daily Mail.

However, it was the real estate expertise of President Donald Trump that ultimately spared the 54-year-old landmark from being torn down.

“When I first arrived to assess the situation, engineers and staff were suggesting that we completely rebuild the Kennedy Center and approach Congress for substantial funding,” Grenell recounted.

To get a clearer picture, Grenell guided Trump on a tour of the facility. “We went to the lower levels where I showed him the failing sewer system,” Grenell explained.

‘We have lawsuits from drivers who have driven underneath the Kennedy Center—the concrete ceiling is falling on cars now. Where was the media for the last five to seven years as this place was falling apart?’

Unlike the controversial decision to tear down the East Wing of the White House, Trump opted to save the Kennedy Center. 

‘I can save it,’ he told Grenell, choosing renovation over demolition. Trump asked Congress for $250 million for the project in the ‘One Big Beautiful’ bill that passed just before the bicameral July 4 recess. 

President of the Kennedy Center Richard Grenell poses on the red carpet for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 7, 2025

First lady Melania Trump watches as President Donald Trump speaks on the red carpet before the 48th Kennedy Center Honors, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington

Moments before making history Sunday as the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump told reporters the Center ‘could never be built again.’

‘It’s got three massive stages—dance, theater, and the place we will be in tonight. There’s really nothing like it in the country,’ the president said.

The Center’s signature events are tied to prime opportunities to raise money for the venue and it’s programs.

Sunday’s Kennedy Center Honors raised ‘a record $23 million … ‘nearly doubling the $12.7 million raised last year under President Joe Biden,’ per Fox News.

The haul was also the largest in history, according to the report.

Grenell also told the Daily Mail earlier this year ahead of the National Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraising gala that over $2.5 million was raised for the group, which was more than $1 million above the previous NSO galas.

The Kennedy Center’s press team also told the Daily Mail that $131 million in total has been raised under Grenell’s leadership.

Trump’s Kennedy Center takeover has also become the center of heated political debate, drawing varied reactions from the city’s arts community regarding recent changes in leadership and direction.

President Donald J. Trump hosts The 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, which will broadcast Tuesday, Dec. 23

Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Amb. Richard Grenell, Kennedy Center President, Amb. Sergio Gor, Amb. Monica Crowley and (Front Row L-R) Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford pose for the class photo at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors Medallion Reception at the U.S. Department of State on December 06, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat and Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, sent a letter to Grenell accusing him of using ‘the Center for the enrichment of your friends and acquaintances, to dole out political favors, and as a playground for the president of the United States and his allies.’

Whitehouse further alleged that the center provided ‘steeply discounted event rentals for well-funded political allies like NewsNation and the American Conservative Union Foundation,’ and funneled work contracts ‘to personal friends that are costing the Center tens of thousands of dollars each month.’

Grenell responded after the Washington Post published Whitehouse’s letter with his answers to the claims, also calling the attacks full of ‘bad information’ from ‘anonymous people’ during Sunday’s interview with the Mail.

The president has sought to remake Washington’s premier art center in his image during his second term, stunningly firing the entire board during his first month in office.

Trump later named himself chairman of the board and appointed Grenell as the acting president and executive director of the Kennedy Center.

These changes have coincided with an increased emphasis on presenting classical performances, some of which have experienced high demand and sold-out audiences.

Sunday’s Kennedy Center Honors were the latest step in showcasing the Center’s revival in the Trump era, with the president himself hosting the awards show

An amendment was made to a funding legislation that contains line items to fund the Kennedy Center, proposing to rename the opera house after First Lady Melania Trump, who serves as the Honorary Chair of the Center’s Board of Trustees. 

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors at the Kennedy Center on December 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. The 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees are Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, the rock band KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford.

The move was spurred by Republican Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho, who is Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.

‘Naming a theater after her is an excellent way to recognize her appreciation for the arts,’ said Rep. Simpson at the time.

The measure was approved by the Simpson’s committee with a vote of 33 to 28. Appropriations funding for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies has still not been passed.

A November continuing resolution passed the appropriations bills for the Department of Agriculture, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, and the Legislative branch. Appropriations for nine other agencies including interior have still not been passed.

Congressman Greg Casar, a progressive Democrat from Texas, criticized the proposed theater renaming, arguing it reflects Republican priorities that he views as misplaced in the context of national cultural discussions.

The move has also been ridiculed by members of the Kennedy family.

Meanwhile, President Trump himself was asked Sunday by reporters if the entire Kennedy Center should bear his name. 

He responded that decision should be left up to the institution’s board.