Topline
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick shared a clip and a photo highlighting damages to the Kennedy Center’s ceiling, arguing that the poor state of the building justified the push to close the building for renovations and with fundraising help from President Donald Trump, amid a court battle to add his name to the building.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts could be shut down for rennovations amid a court battle on adding Trump’s name to the buidling.
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Key Facts
In a post on X, Lutnick shared security video of what he said was a portion of the ceiling “crashing violently onto the main Lobby floor” of the building, along with an image of a hole in the ceiling.
Lutnick wrote that the collapsing ceiling missed one of the Center’s security guards by “just minutes” and warned that “patrons could have been killed” if this happened while a performance was going on.
The Commerce Secretary’s post said the center was dealing with “failing roofing, collapsing concrete supports, and steel that is rotting have created completely unsafe conditions.”
Lutnick argued that the building’s poor condition meant people could no longer be allowed inside and that it “must be closed and reconstructed,” backing a push by Trump’s handpicked Board of Trustees.
The Trump cabinet official also said that a “major fundraising” effort was needed to cover the Center’s expenses, noting that the Kennedy Center operates at a “huge loss” of around “$80-$100 million a year.”
Crucial Quote
Lutnick ended his post stating: “Only President Trump can deliver the renovation on time and on budget, and only President Trump can raise the money to keep the Center out of bankruptcy.”
Key background
On Monday, the Washington Post reported that the Center’s board of trustees warned that the institution was facing bankruptcy and may have to shut down as early as this week unless the president’s name is added to the building to allow him to proceed with fundraising efforts. The report cited an internal document shared with the board, which warned the Center faces “certain fiscal collapse.” The document added that Trump was willing to “raise the necessary funds to keep the Center from bankruptcy.” Still, any such fundraising support would not happen without the president receiving “appropriate recognition.” To gain Trump’s fundraising support, the Center has proposed 10 possible inscriptions on its main building’s marble facade recognizing the president’s “generosity” or “oversight and support.” The bid to add Trump’s name to the building has drawn pushback from several plaintiffs, including Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio.
what to watch for
The Kennedy Center’s board is set to meet on Tuesday, where it is expected to vote in favor of a proposal to shut down its main building over safety concerns. The board is also set to vote on a new proposal to inscribe Trump’s name on the building, court filings showed on Monday.
further reading
Kennedy Center Board Warns Of Immediate Closure Unless Trump’s Name Goes On Building, Report Says (Forbes)
Kennedy Center Proposes 10 Trump Inscription Ideas—Praising His ‘Unwavering Support’ And ‘Generosity’ (Forbes)
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