Kennedy Center Crisis and Trump Name Push | Salt Lake City News

A massive 150-pound plaster chunk crashed from the ceiling of the Kennedy Center’s Grand Foyer during a storm, narrowly missing a security guard and exposing catastrophic structural decay. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is demanding the entire building shut down for reconstruction, citing unsafe roofing and rotting steel — and pushing President Trump to lead a fundraising campaign to cover the center’s $80–100 million annual losses. Amid a legal battle over renaming the center after Trump — which officials hope will boost donations — board members are considering proposals tying Trump’s name to renovation and endowment funds. Critics call the move “insanity,” accusing Trump of holding the center hostage, while attorneys argue it may violate federal law. With payroll and maintenance at risk, officials recommend immediate closure of the main building — though the newer Reach expansion remains open. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://kutv.com/news/nation-world/lutnick-shares-video-of-plaster-falling-from-kennedy-center-ceiling-pushes-for-repairs-commerce-secretary-president-trump-court More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5e3dd59902e0fb5f Report issues to [email protected].