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Kennedy Center demolished
The gist
The Kennedy Center shut down Wednesday as Trump was photographed with a "Kennedy Center DEMOLIS..." placard.
The venue denies demolition, but a judge now requires 30 days' notice before any.
How it unfolded
- Sep 16, 2026The Kennedy Center board, filled with Trump allies, voted Tuesday to close the center for renovations, a source said; the Kennedy Center indefinitely shut down Wednesday and fencing was erected around it.
- Sep 16, 2026Trump was photographed aboard Air Force One after landing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland looking at a placard appearing to read "Kennedy Center DEMOLIS..." over an image of a yellow construction vehicle scooping rubble.
- Sep 16, 2026Trump said the center would close immediately and that renovations and reconstruction would not occur until Judge Cooper's ruling barring the addition of Trump's name was reversed by a federal appeals court or the Supreme Court.