Trump seen reading plans for Kennedy Center ‘DEMOLITION’ during ride on Air Force One
President Donald Trump was photographed reading a placard that said, “Kennedy Center DEMOLITION” on Air Force One late on Wednesday night. The photo was taken from outside the plane through the small windows of the aircraft, only showing Trump’s head in one and the giant placard in the other. Speculation quickly spread online as to […]
President Donald Trump was photographed reading a placard that said, “Kennedy Center DEMOLITION” on Air Force One late on Wednesday night.
The photo was taken from outside the plane through the small windows of the aircraft, only showing Trump’s head in one and the giant placard in the other. Speculation quickly spread online as to whether it was serious or one of his usual bouts of trolling.
” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/trump-seen-reading-plans-for-kennedy-center-demolition-during-ride-on-air-force-one.webp” src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/trump-seen-reading-plans-for-kennedy-center-demolition-during-ride-on-air-force-one.webp” alt=”US President Donald Trump is seen aboard Air Force One checking a Kennedy Center large printout after landing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland” class=”wp-image-4731171″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/trump-seen-reading-plans-for-kennedy-center-demolition-during-ride-on-air-force-one.jpg 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/trump-seen-reading-plans-for-kennedy-center-demolition-during-ride-on-air-force-one.jpg?resize=300,201 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/trump-seen-reading-plans-for-kennedy-center-demolition-during-ride-on-air-force-one.jpg?resize=768,514 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/trump-seen-reading-plans-for-kennedy-center-demolition-during-ride-on-air-force-one.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/trump-seen-reading-plans-for-kennedy-center-demolition-during-ride-on-air-force-one.jpg?resize=696,466 696w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”>President Donald Trump is seen aboard Air Force One checking a Kennedy Center large printout after landing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on September 16, 2026. Trump, who is returning from Gastonia, North Carolina, after campaigning for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley, threatened on September 15, 2026, to keep the Kennedy Center closed for good after a judge ruled his name cannot be added onto the famed arts institution’s facade. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been a recurring subject of lawsuits since Trump took office, as the executive and the courts battle over jurisdiction over the storied cultural center. Trump added his name to the side of the building in December, but it was removed earlier this year after a fierce legal battle.
After a judge blocked Trump from adding his name again, the Trump loyalist board almost immediately voted to close the center, “for Safety reasons,” the president claimed in a post on Truth Social. During a storm in August, video footage captured part of the ceiling crumbling. The Trump administration has said renovations must be completed to ensure visitors’ safety.
Trump also suggested that it would remain closed forever if the name change wasn’t approved.
“The closing will take place immediately, however, the Renovation and Reconstruction, which is a very large and complex job, cannot begin until such time as the D.C. Circuit rules on the Board’s approved name. If the ruling is a negative one, which it should not be, and is not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Reconstruction and the Renovation of The Kennedy Center will not take place,” he wrote.
“The attorneys from the DOJ will ask for an expedited appeal. In the meantime, 17 Million Dollars, raised by President Trump, has been put into The Kennedy Center account to keep it afloat,” Trump added.
The Kennedy Center’s board, which was entirely appointed by Trump, has voted three times to close the center for repairs and renovation since February, but has been challenged in court every time.
