Donald Trump launched a hostile takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, but the move did not go his way.
Placing the president’s name on the building’s front façade provoked widespread outrage and prompted a federal judge to order its removal.
Then Trump’s plan to shutter the center for a $250 million, two-year renovation was called into question.
Trump dislikes hearing the word “no,” and his anger is backed by his lawyers, White House aides, and appointed Kennedy Center board members.
Yet the JFK Center takeover has hit rock bottom as funds run dry.
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The cultural landmark has honored the 35th president for 55 years in Washington, D.C., but officials could declare an indefinite closure as soon as Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The center has been a revered venue for the National Symphony Orchestra, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor award ceremony, and countless performances ranging from ballet and theater to jazz.
Music director Michael Bearden wrote, “I’ve worked there for decades on various shows and the honors for about 12 years. It’s a wonderful place to perform. I won’t step foot in the place until…” seemingly alluding to Trump’s departure.
A Trump detractor commented, “The minute that Trump put his puppet board in place and renamed it after himself, all donations stopped. Nobody will play there. No acts = no income.”
Countless people share that same sentiment.
Ticket sales plummeted, and acts pulled out of shows following Trump’s takeover. As a result of the dwindling tourism and shows, bankruptcy has become a legitimate threat.
The board says “certain fiscal collapse” can be avoided if the president’s name is reinstalled, according to The Washington Post.
A large tarp-covered scaffolding has stood over the front doors for months, covering the marble slab “Donald J. Trump” formerly occupied.
The board issued a 57-page briefing warning that it would deplete funds for employee pay and maintenance within weeks. The document also notes multiple safety concerns.
This month, a small portion of the Grand Foyer ceiling collapsed after a week of storms.
“This structural failure stems from decades of neglect and deferred maintenance by the previous leadership, and there’s no justification for further delays in restoring America’s cultural center,” the institution’s leaders wrote.
However, Trump is willing to intervene once he weaves his legacy into President Kennedy’s.
In an August court filing, his legal team pushed that “Renovated and restored by President Donald J. Trump” and “Endowed by The Trump Kennedy Center Fund” also be added to the building.
The board will meet Tuesday, September 15, to consider 10 options featuring Trump’s name, the Associated Press reports. But there’s a catch: the proposed text would appear beneath the center’s exterior.
Recent court filings proposed the inscriptions, including “Renovation and endowment overseen by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund” and “With Gratitude for Support from President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund.”
“He can’t stand anyone else being honored. Always about himself,” read one online complaint.
“He says the only way it will survive is if his name goes on it, F it put his name on it and let it sit and rot, enough of this hostage bs,” said another critic.
Others simply wondered, “Where are the Kennedy’s … they can’t possibly be ok with this.”
Critics piled on, calling Trump “pathetic” and disgusting, while claiming, “It’s his jealousy of JFK.”
Another said, “It makes me sad & sick that Trump feels he can bankrupt the Kennedy Center. Everything he touches dies.”
In February, the late Democratic president’s family members spoke out against Trump’s takeover.
Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson, said that the Republican could “take” the center. He added, “JFK is kept alive by us now, rising up to remove Donald Trump, bring him to justice” for destroying generations of freedoms.
Maria Shriver, Kennedy’s niece, mocked Trump’s fragile ego, insinuating that he proposed the closure to cover up the negative effect of his Kennedy Center hijacking.
However, the businessman has ignored the heckling and court orders. He has continued to make changes, such as removing the longstanding “Blue” sculpture, despite the ongoing legal battle.
The administration has also proposed demolishing the center if it does not meet its demands.
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