Broadway legend Patti LuPone delivered a passionate plea to protect the Kennedy Center from alterations proposed by President Donald Trump during her performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Monday, February 3, 2026. The acclaimed actress and singer urged audiences to actively oppose what she views as a threat to a vital cultural institution.
LuPone’s impassioned remarks followed Trump’s recent announcement of a two-year closure for renovations at the Kennedy Center, beginning July 4th. The President has also publicly expressed his desire to rename the center “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” a move approved by a vote of presidentially appointed board members late last year. LuPone directly addressed the renaming, stating emphatically, “He cannot, cannot, cannot touch the Kennedy Center!”
Addressing the crowd after her two-hour show, LuPone called for a unified response, stating, “This represents now about the Kennedy Center. It’s time for us—it’s over time for us—to rise up and speak!” She implored her audience to disseminate information and actively resist the proposed changes. She acknowledged the intensity of her message, apologizing for her tone while simultaneously reaffirming the importance of defending the arts.
“I’m sorry, but I’m so mad,” LuPone reportedly said, according to multiple reports of the event. “This actually strikes close to home because art is the soul of the nation. And think about it—when was the last time you heard the words ‘art’ and ‘culture’ in a conversation in this country? We have to speak up again. We have to elevate it, and one of the ways we’re going to elevate it is to keep the buildings standing.”
Trump, speaking to reporters on Monday, defended his plans, stating, “I’m not ripping it down. I’ll be using the steel… So we’re using the structure, we’re using some of the marble, and some of the marble comes down.” This statement comes amidst concerns that the renovations are a precursor to a more substantial overhaul, potentially mirroring the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a new ballroom.
The President’s plans have already triggered a wave of cancellations from artists scheduled to perform at the Kennedy Center. At least 27 artists have pulled out of scheduled appearances in protest, including Philip Glass, productions of Hamilton, and The Washington National Opera. This exodus of talent underscores the growing opposition to Trump’s involvement with the iconic venue.
The situation at the Kennedy Center reflects a broader trend of artists voicing their dissent against the current administration. Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, which began in February 2025 with his election as chair of the board, and the subsequent rebranding, have ignited significant controversy within the arts community. The center’s board, now comprised of Trump-friendly trustees, approved the name change, a decision that has been met with widespread condemnation.
Beyond the name change, concerns are mounting regarding the future of the Kennedy Center’s architectural integrity. The proposed $200 million renovation has raised questions from family members of John F. Kennedy, for whom the center was originally established as a “living memorial.” The potential for significant alterations to the building’s design has fueled fears that the center’s original intent and artistic spirit will be compromised.
The financial impact of the controversy is also becoming apparent. Ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have reportedly “cratered” following the changes and artist cancellations, signaling a potential decline in public support for the venue under its current leadership. LuPone’s public condemnation, and the broader artistic backlash, highlight the deep divisions surrounding the future of the Kennedy Center and its role as a national cultural landmark.
LuPone’s vocal opposition adds another layer to the ongoing debate. A Tony Award-winning performer with a long and distinguished career, LuPone’s voice carries significant weight within the theater community and beyond. Her call to action serves as a rallying cry for those who believe the Kennedy Center must be protected from what they perceive as a politically motivated attempt to reshape a cherished American institution.
