Donald Trump on Arts and Culture

Donald Trump

Role at the time: President of the United States and chairman of the Kennedy Center board, interviewed by TIME

Statement summary

Asked in a TIME interview whether he would commit to not bringing wrecking balls to the Kennedy Center without congressional consent, President Trump said "I'm not committing to anything" and "We're going to see how it plays out in court". He said that if he builds it and puts up money to keep it open, "then I think the Trump administration should be recognized", and asked why he would "stick with something that's going to lose hundreds of millions of dollars, and I'm not even recognized".

“I’m not committing to anything. We’re going to see how it plays out in court,” … “But if I build it, and if I agree that for the rest of my life, I’m going to be putting up $100 million to have it open to people … then I think the Trump administration should be recognized.” … “Well, why would I want to stick with something that’s going to lose hundreds of millions of dollars, and I’m not even recognized?” … “It’s not me; it’s the administration.”

Donald Trump

Role at the time: President of the United States, answering reporters' questions in the Oval Office during a healthcare announcement

Statement summary

A reporter asked Trump in the Oval Office about Kennedy Center demolition. Trump called for recognition for his administration. Read the exchange in the video and transcript.

“I don't mind doing the job, but if I do the job, I think the Trump administration, including Bobby, but the Trump administration should be recognized. Why should I raise and put up and do all of this work?”

Donald Trump

Role at the time: President of the United States, speaking to reporters on arrival in Charlotte, North Carolina

Statement summary

Asked by a reporter on arrival in Charlotte, North Carolina, why it was so important to him to have his name on the Kennedy Center, Trump said the center has lost money for years and that, for the administration to get involved and carry it long term, “the Trump administration should certainly have recognition.” He continued: “Because, frankly, if we don’t do that, it’s going to close. It’ll end up being ripped down.”

“So for the Trump administration, for me, to get involved and to take that on long term and to carry it, or to raise money to carry it, I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition. Because, frankly, if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down.”

Donald Trump

Role at the time: President of the United States and chair of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees, posting on his verified Truth Social account

Statement summary

In a Truth Social post on September 15, Trump wrote that the Kennedy Center board had agreed to close the building for safety reasons, that the closing would take place immediately, and that the renovation and reconstruction could not begin until the D.C. Circuit rules on the board's approved name. He wrote that if that ruling is negative and is not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the renovation and reconstruction “will not take place,” and that Justice Department attorneys would ask for an expedited appeal.

“The Board of The Kennedy Center today agreed, almost unanimously, to close the Building for Safety reasons, and so that it can begin the process of Reconstruction. The closing will take place immediately, however, the Renovation and Reconstruction, which is a very large and complex job, cannot begin until such time as the D.C. Circuit rules on the Board's approved name. If the ruling is a negative one, which it should not be, and is not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Reconstruction and the Renovation of The Kennedy Center will not take place.”