Trump has gotten rid of many of the checks and balances that could stop him from demolishing the Kennedy Center

A hierarchy of oversight for the iconic arts venue has essentially collapsed.

By: E. Andrew Taylor, American University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 25, 2026

Words: 1,194

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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By E. Andrew Taylor, American University

Who gets to decide the future of the living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy, and who holds those decision-makers to account?

This debate is becoming ever more fraught. A photo taken on Sept. 16, 2026, showed President Donald J. Trump in Air Force One reviewing a poster with the words “Kennedy Center DEMOLISH …” that many interpreted to mean “demolished.”

The image spread quickly. Like the …

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