Photog Snaps Pic of Trump Viewing Giant Kennedy Center ‘Demolition’ Placard on Air Force One

screenshot

President Donald Trump was photographed aboard Air Force One examining a large placard apparently referring to the demolition of the Kennedy Center after warning that the famed Washington arts institution could ultimately be “ripped down.”

AFP photographer Brendan Smialowski captured Trump through the aircraft window after it landed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Wednesday night following the president’s trip to North Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley.

The large printout in front of Trump appears to begin with the words “Kennedy Center DEMOLISH…,” although photographs do not clearly reveal the rest of the word or the full contents of the board.

The image emerged in the middle of an escalating legal battle over Trump’s efforts to put his name on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

A federal judge on Tuesday again blocked the Trump-aligned center board from adding the president’s name to the building, ruling that such a change requires congressional approval.

The board subsequently voted to close most of the center immediately for renovations, which Congress has allocated $257 million to fund.

Speaking to reporters on the tarmac in North Carolina before the photograph was taken, Trump defended his demand for recognition: “The Kennedy Center, for many years, has lost tens of millions of dollars, even hundreds of millions of dollars… So for the Trump administration, for me, to get involved and to take that on long-term and to carry it, or to raise money to carry it, I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition.”

Trump added that without his involvement, “It’ll end up being ripped down.”

When a reporter followed up, “Why does it have to have your name though, sir?” — but Trump walked away without answering and entered his waiting vehicle.

The demolition prospect is not new. Justice Department lawyers warned in an August court filing that without the proposed renovation, the center could deteriorate to the point that it would have to be torn down, potentially clearing the site for another venue.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!