Barbra Streisand has publicly condemned President Donald Trump's threats to demolish the Kennedy Center amid an ongoing legal dispute over the inclusion of his name on the building.
Key facts
- •A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days' notice before any demolition or significant changes.
- •President Trump threatened to "rip down" the center if his administration does not receive recognition on the building.
- •Congress allocated over $250 million for renovations in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year.
- •Streisand was a member of the 31st annual class of Kennedy Center Honorees in 2008.
- •An image captured through the windows of Air Force One appeared to show a poster board labeled "Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED."
Barbra Streisand, a 2008 Kennedy Center honoree, released a statement Thursday criticizing President Donald Trump for his handling of the Washington, D.C. arts institution. Her comments followed reports that Trump threatened to have the center "ripped down" if his name is not displayed on the building. The remarks coincided with a federal judge's order requiring the center to provide 30 days' notice before any significant construction or demolition.
Legal Dispute Over Building Signage
The conflict stems from repeated attempts to add President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center’s exterior. After a federal judge ruled that the name could not be added without an act of Congress, the signage was removed. A tarp was subsequently placed over the building's facade. Trump has stated on Truth Social that planned renovations will not proceed unless courts lift the order prohibiting his name from being displayed.
Streisand’s Statement on Artistic Legacy
In her statement, Streisand described the institution as a memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy and a symbol of the importance of art to democracy. She expressed indignation that the center has become the subject of a struggle over what she termed the president's "unchecked ego." Streisand noted that the center's board, which she described as "Trump-aligned," had previously announced a major renovation, which she contrasted with the lack of such plans while the president's name was displayed.
Timeline
- DecemberPresident Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center complex.
- WednesdayPresident Trump told reporters the center might be ripped down if his name is not displayed.
- ThursdayA federal judge ordered the center to provide 30 days' notice before any demolition.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Hollywood Reporter, Deadline.
