Overview
- Speaking at the U.S. Institute of Peace on Thursday, President Trump laughed as he referred to the “Trump–Kennedy Center” before correcting himself, a moment captured on video.
- There has been no formal move to change the name, though the comment triggered fresh public scrutiny and speculation about the institution’s branding.
- The Kennedy Center is hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Saturday and the annual Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, events closely tied to Trump’s weekend appearances, according to reporting.
- Coverage reports that Trump reshaped the center’s governance by stacking the board with allies and naming Ric Grenell as president.
- Reporters, citing former dance director Jane Raleigh, say revenue has dropped by roughly 50 percent, with declining ticket sales and artist cancellations, while Grenell publicly pushed back on the reporting.