Trump says Kennedy Center renovation will keep steel structure: 'I’m not ripping it down'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said that his planned renovation of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will not involve tearing down the iconic building. 

Speaking to reporters, Trump clarified that while parts of the structure will be removed, the core of the landmark will remain intact. He added that construction is set to begin on July 4, though no timeline has been given for when the work will be completed.

“I’m not ripping it down,” Trump said. “I’ll be using the steel. So 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.”

Trump outlines renovation plan and cost estimate

Trump told reporters that the renovation would cost “at least $200 million,” calling the Kennedy Center “run down” and “dilapidated.” He described the project as a major upgrade rather than a demolition, emphasizing that the existing structure will serve as the foundation for the redesign.

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the project as “renovations” rather than a “whole scale tear down,” but characterized the construction as a “pretty significant renovation.”

While Trump confirmed that some of the building’s marble will be removed, he did not specify how much or what design changes would be made. He also did not say how long the renovation would last, though the project is expected to halt performances once construction begins.

Artists push back against Kennedy Center changes

Trump’s comments come after a turbulent year for the Kennedy Center, marked by growing tension between the administration and the arts community. Several artists and performers have distanced themselves from the venue following Trump’s involvement in its leadership and programming decisions.

 A number of artists stepped down from the Kennedy Center board after Trump appointed his ally Ric Grenell to oversee the institution. Several performers also withdrew from scheduled appearances during Trump’s first year in office.

In January, the Washington National Opera announced it would move its productions away from the Kennedy Center. More recently, composer Philip Glass canceled a series of planned orchestral performances, adding to concerns about the center’s future as a cultural hub.

Trump expands influence over arts institutions

Despite criticism, Trump has increasingly used the Kennedy Center to position himself in the arts and cultural space. He hosted the annual Kennedy Center Honors in December and co-hosted the FIFA World Cup draw at the venue the same month, where he was awarded the FIFA Peace Prize.

Last week, the center also hosted the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s new Amazon Prime documentary, rolling out the red carpet for the event.

The Kennedy Center project is part of a broader effort by Trump to reshape Washington, DC, in his image. His controversial redesign of the White House Rose Garden was completed last year, and construction is still underway on a new ballroom replacing the East Wing of the White House.

According to a Washington Post report, Trump is also proposing the construction of a 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia, marking another major addition to the capital’s landscape.