Trump to demolish Kennedy Center? Photos from Air Force One spark fear amid row over closure, forklift incident
President Donald Trump was photographed on Air Force One looking at a board with the words ‘Kennedy’ and ‘demolish’, sparking fears about the Kennedy Center.
President Donald Trump, aboard Air Force One returning from North Carolina on September 16, 2026, was photographed examining a board containing the words "Kennedy Center" and "demolish." This image sparked concerns that Trump may be planning to demolish the iconic Washington DC building. The Kennedy Center has been closed since a court ruled Trump could not add his name to the structure, amid financial troubles and safety concerns.
Critics questioned whether Trump intended to demolish the venue, despite his remarks about the building being "ripped down." The White House stated that renovations could not commence until the D.C. Circuit ruled on the Board's approved name. In February 2026, The Washingtonian reported that Trump could not legally demolish the Kennedy Center, and faced potential accountability for any unsanctioned demolition.
The White House has allocated $17M raised by Trump for the Kennedy Center's preservation, though the funds have yet to be used amid a legal battle over his name on the building.
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