After completing his takeover of the Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump is now eyeing a major redesign of the historic building.
Posting on Truth Social late Friday, the 79-year-old president suggested adding gold and marble features inspired by his Mar-a-Lago home. He said the changes would begin with stone armrests for the theater seats, calling them “unlike anything ever done or seen before.”
The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a “living memorial” to the 35th president, who was assassinated in 1963. The building opened in 1971 and is known for its clean, modern design and broad cultural programming.
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That legacy is now under pressure.
Earlier this year, Trump attacked the center for hosting LGBTQ performances. He fired board members, installed loyal allies, and appointed himself chair. He promised to personally guide the direction of the half-century-old institution.
Since then, many artists, organizations, and concerts have pulled out. Staff numbers have been cut, and critics now describe the center as a “swamp for cronyism and self-dealing.”
Despite the backlash, Congress has approved $250 million in funding for renovations requested by Trump. That money is expected to support major changes to the building’s interior.
The planned makeover fits Trump’s well known design style.
Since returning to power in January, he has filled the White House with white marble and gold. The Oval Office now features shiny stone surfaces. The Lincoln Bathroom has been remodeled. The Rose Garden has been stripped of greenery and replaced with a marble patio and striped umbrellas.
The East Wing has also been torn down to prepare for an oversized ballroom that would overshadow much of the White House itself.
All of this has taken place as Republicans continue cutting funding to social services.
Trump’s taste in decor, on full display at Mar a Lago, is often linked to European Baroque styles. That look has long been associated with strongmen and authoritarian leaders.
The Kennedy Center controversy comes as Trump also seeks validation from his supporters online.
Earlier this week, he asked followers for feedback on whether he should continue hosting the Kennedy Center Honors. In recent weeks, he even suggested that if he could not outperform comedian Jimmy Kimmel as host, then he should not be president.
Early reports say the Trump hosted broadcast delivered the lowest television ratings in the event’s history.
Members of the Kennedy family have reacted with anger.
“It makes my blood boil. It’s so ridiculous, so petty, so small-minded,” Maria Shriver, John F Kennedy’s niece, wrote when Trump first suggested renaming the center.
After the renaming became official, she wrote again: “Can we not see what is happening here? C’mon, my fellow Americans! Wake up!”
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
