President Trump has sent shockwaves through the nation's capital by announcing plans to renovate the iconic Kennedy Center, but sources close to the White House have revealed that there are no plans to tear it down.
When asked if he would destroy the 55-year-old arts institution during a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump insisted, "I'm not ripping it down. I'll be using the steel, so we're using the structure." He estimated the cost of his changes at around $200 million.
The renovation project, which is set to begin this summer and will last for about two years, includes a new roof, replacement of some marble and grout, and renovations to the promenade section of the building. The steel will be reused in these areas, but one of the free-standing stages in the grand foyer may be removed and replaced with a bar.
The fundamental layout of the Kennedy Center, which features three theaters and several exhibition halls, is expected to remain unchanged, according to sources familiar with the project.
Trump acknowledged that as a real estate developer, he likes to "sit with something for a little while before you decide on what you want to do." He expressed his opinion that the center's current state is "dilapidated" and needs repair. His administration claims it doesn't need congressional approval to temporarily close the building for renovations.
The White House has faced criticism from Democrats over its handling of several high-profile cancellations at the Kennedy Center, including performances by artists who cited concerns about the center's politics after Trump announced plans to rename it in his honor.
When asked if he would destroy the 55-year-old arts institution during a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump insisted, "I'm not ripping it down. I'll be using the steel, so we're using the structure." He estimated the cost of his changes at around $200 million.
The renovation project, which is set to begin this summer and will last for about two years, includes a new roof, replacement of some marble and grout, and renovations to the promenade section of the building. The steel will be reused in these areas, but one of the free-standing stages in the grand foyer may be removed and replaced with a bar.
The fundamental layout of the Kennedy Center, which features three theaters and several exhibition halls, is expected to remain unchanged, according to sources familiar with the project.
Trump acknowledged that as a real estate developer, he likes to "sit with something for a little while before you decide on what you want to do." He expressed his opinion that the center's current state is "dilapidated" and needs repair. His administration claims it doesn't need congressional approval to temporarily close the building for renovations.
The White House has faced criticism from Democrats over its handling of several high-profile cancellations at the Kennedy Center, including performances by artists who cited concerns about the center's politics after Trump announced plans to rename it in his honor.
. $200 million is still a pretty penny, but if they're just gonna reuse the steel and keep the fundamental layout the same, i guess it's not the worst thing ever 
? First, he's got plans to destroy this beloved arts institution and then suddenly he's like "oh nope, not gonna do that" 
. I'm just here for the drama...
and it's awesome they're gonna reuse the steel from the original building - it's all about sustainability, you know? 
still not sure about the bar tho 
hopefully they can find a way to make it work without altering the vibe of the space. I mean, it's Kennedy Center we're talking about! 
love that Trump is acknowledging the need for repairs and wants to preserve the original layout, fingers crossed it stays true to its artistic roots 
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. It raises questions about the balance between preserving the Kennedy Center's original architecture and catering to modern tastes 
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. One thing is certain: this renovation project will undoubtedly generate significant buzz in Washington D.C.! 
So they're saying Trump wants to "use" the steel from the Kennedy Center for his renovation plans... like that's a solution to saving an iconic arts institution! The fact that he thinks it's dilapidated and needs repair just because it's old is kinda rich coming from him. 
I mean, what's next? Renovating the Golden Gate Bridge or something? 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's amazing from a historical perspective, but I wouldn't want to spend too much time in there if you know what I mean 
It's supposed to be super cool (get it?) for home decor. Anyway, back to the Kennedy Center – it's crazy how much attention that place gets 
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. Like, what's next? Renovating the whole freaking city? 
. I'm still kinda skeptical about the bar thing in the grand foyer tho... might not fit with the artsy vibe of the place 
. Can't wait to see how it turns out, but hoping they don't mess up the classic architecture 
). But I'm also kinda worried about losing some of the old charm and character that makes the center so iconic. That grand foyer stage thing might be a bummer if it gets removed... it's just one of those things that feels like a piece of history 
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I mean, if Trump is renaming it after himself, that's gonna be a total deal-breaker for a lot of people. Like, isn't that just a little too much? 
It feels like Trump's trying to make a statement or something.
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guess who's gonna be runnin the show tho 
and now this... who's next?
I hope congress steps in and says no to this renovation plan, we cant just let trump destroy our cultural heritage for his ego 
the fact that dems are mad bc trumps wants to name it after himself tho 