- On Monday, Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers argued that Trump’s name not appearing on the center would cause donors to flee, financial contributions to dry up and structural rehabilitation to stop, and that There will simply not be the expertise or funding necessary to rebuild and renovate this decimated structure.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested a new way Thursday for President Trump’s name to reappear on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- Lutnick proposed that the center could “acknowledge President Trump” for his role in renovations, with the full name being “Underneath the name of the building, which will remain the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, Renovated and Restored by President Donald J. Trump” — pending a federal judge’s approval.
- Lutnick described the building as dangerous, saying “there are chunks of concrete falling off the ceiling in the garage,” and stated that Trump’s renovation is “doing it for the American people” because it will take two years.
- The Commerce secretary said renovations are expected to cost $257 million and clarified that the proposed renovations would keep the REACH — a new addition to the Kennedy Center campus — walking back previous controversial proposals that included its full closure.
- Lutnick echoed the DOJ’s claims, saying only Trump would be able to raise $500 million for renovations — unlike the center’s other board members.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board, has continually opposed Trump’s attempts to add his name to the center, and has accused the board, which Trump chairs, of trying to get from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper barring the previous name addition.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick proposed a new way to acknowledge President Trump's contributions to the $257 million renovations of the Kennedy Center. He suggested that the center could include a phrase stating it was "Renovated and Restored by President Donald J. Trump" while keeping its official name intact.
Lutnick emphasized the urgency of the renovations, stating, “The building is dangerous. People say, ‘oh, don’t overstate that it’s dangerous. Look, there are chunks of concrete falling off the ceiling in the garage,’” highlighting the dire state of the facility.
The Department of Justice warned that without Trump's name, “donors to flee, financial contributions to dry up and structural rehabilitation to stop.” Lutnick echoed this sentiment, claiming that only Trump could raise $500 million for the renovations, a feat he believes other board members cannot achieve.
Despite the push for Trump's name, Rep. Joyce Beatty has opposed the idea, arguing that “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” referencing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper that previously blocked such attempts.
The proposed renovations aim to address what Lutnick described as “decades of financial regret,” ensuring the center's future and safety for visitors.
“Lutnick says the building is dangerous, with concrete falling in the garage, and that Trump's renovation is 'doing it for the American people' because it will take two years. He also clarified the REACH addition will be kept, walking back earlier closure proposals, and claimed only Trump could raise $500 million.”
