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Trump Jokes About Renaming the Kennedy Center as He Tightens Grip on Honors

The quip highlights concerns about politicization following an allies-led takeover, with reports of a steep revenue slide disputed by Ric Grenell.

Overview

  • At a U.S. Institute of Peace event, President Trump laughed after calling it the “TrumpKennedy Center” before correcting himself and calling it a “terrible mistake.”
  • Trump is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors after personally taking over the selection of honorees, a role traditionally handled by a bipartisan council.
  • Recent coverage cites former dance director Jane Raleigh in reporting that Kennedy Center revenue has fallen by about 50% under president Ric Grenell, a figure Grenell rejects.
  • Grenell publicly attacked reporters on X and defended the firing of a former dance programmer, framing the move as fiscal discipline.
  • The venue is slated to host the World Cup draw Saturday and the Honors Sunday, with one outlet suggesting Trump could receive a FIFA recognition that has not been confirmed.