President Donald Trump has even more plans for the Kennedy Center after he worked to rename the landmark.
“The Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex,” Trump, 79, wrote via Truth Social on Sunday, February 1. “This important decision, based on input from many Highly Respected Experts, will take a tired, broken and dilapidated Center, one that has been in bad condition, both financially and structurally for many years, and turn it into a World Class Bastion of Arts, Music and Entertainment, far better than it has ever been before.”
Trump claimed financing is already completed and fully in place.
Once the project is complete, the president believes “America will be very proud” of the “new and beautiful Landmark.”
For many of former President John F. Kennedy’s family members, the news is personal and one they don’t take lightly.
“Do not be distracted from what this Administration is actually trying to erase,” JFK’s nephew Joe Kennedy III wrote via X on Sunday. “Our connection, our community and our commitment to the rights of all.”
Keep reading to see more Kennedy family members react to the latest changes with the Kennedy Center:
Maria Shriver
After reposting Donald Trump’s Truth Social post, Maria Shriver decided to respond with her own perspective.
“Translation: It has been brought to my attention that due to the name change (but nobody’s telling me it’s due to the name change), but it’s been brought to my attention that entertainers are canceling left and right, and I have determined that since the name change no one wants to perform there any longer,” JFK’s niece wrote via X. “I’ve determined that due to this change in schedule, it’s best for me to close this center down and rebuild a new center that will bear my name, which will surely get everybody to stop talking about the fact that everybody’s canceling… right?”
Joe Kennedy III
“President John F. Kennedy believed that one day this country would live up to its promise of justice and equal rights for all. For those beliefs and for his sacrifice, Congress voted to make The Kennedy Center a living memorial to him, as a place built by the people for the people to celebrate what connects us,” JFK’s nephew Joe Kennedy III wrote via X. “While this trespass on the People’s will is painful, President Kennedy would remind us that it is not buildings that define the greatness of a nation. It is the actions of its people and its leaders.”
Jack Schlossberg
“Trump can take the Kennedy Center for himself. He can change the name, shut the doors, and demolish the building,” JFK’s only grandson, Jack Schlossberg, wrote via X. “He can try to kill JFK. But JFK is kept alive by us now rising up to remove Donald Trump, bring him to justice, and restore the freedoms generations fought for.”
