Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. The Kennedy Center, one of the most iconic performing arts centers in the country, has been at the center of a dramatic saga. It all started when the Board of Trustees, many of whom are allies of President Donald Trump, voted to close its doors. I mean, can you imagine? The lights were literally turned off inside the main building, and bike racks were stacked up by entrances to block public access. It was like they were trying to send a message: “Stay out, folks!”
But, as it turns out, officially closing the public monument would violate a court order requiring it to remain open. You see, Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty had filed a lawsuit, and the court ordered the Trump administration to keep the center open. So, the Justice Department is now planning to appeal the court’s decision, while Trump is warning that the center may not reopen unless his name can be affixed to the building. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the Kennedy Center needs – a big ol’ Trump sign.
Meanwhile, the Kennedy Center’s spokesperson told CNN that the building was “temporarily” closed due to safety concerns. But Beatty’s lawyers said that when they asked for an explanation from the Justice Department, they didn’t receive a reply. Hmm, sounds like someone’s not playing by the rules. A court order is a court order, after all.
When CNN visited the center on Wednesday, no signage was visible indicating any change of status to the main building. But, there were fences and barricades over the doors, and construction crews were working outside. It was like a scene from a movie – except instead of a movie, it was real life. A few security guards were outside, and employees were coming and going through a parking garage entrance. One of them told CNN that their badge worked for getting into the building, but only on the side doors. Because, you know, that’s not confusing at all.
Outside the main building, the digital advertising boards were still hyping up upcoming shows, and a landscaper was pruning the hedges. It was like business as usual – except for the fact that the building was closed. A lone protestor stood outside with a sign that said: “There is still an injunction, remember?” And “shame on the Trump board.” I’ve got to hand it to them – that’s some dedication right there.
The relative calm of the scene belies the drama that is expected to continue in the days to come. The Justice Department has said it plans to appeal the court’s decision, and Trump has warned that the center may not reopen unless his name can be affixed to the building. Because, you know, that’s the most important thing – getting Trump’s name on that building. An annex of the Kennedy Center, a separate arts space known as The Reach, remains open, though. On Wednesday, the song “Jolene” was being played, and a Dolly Parton celebration is planned for September 25. When asked if it will remain open, a worker there replied, dryly: “We have no idea.” Yeah, that’s about right.
In conclusion, the Kennedy Center saga is a wild ride, folks. It’s got drama, intrigue, and even a little bit of humor. Who knows what will happen next? Will the center reopen? Will Trump get his name on the building? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – it’s been a wild ride, and I’m here for it. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll see a Trump-branded Kennedy Center – wouldn’t that be something? 🙄
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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