Barbra Streisand Criticizes Trump Over Kennedy Center Controversy
WHO:
US Magazine - Barbra Streisand, 84, published a statement via her website.
Rolling Stone - Barbra Streisand, Trump-appointed board
Deadline - Barbra Streisand, President Donald Trump
WHAT:
CNN - Trump indicated he would abandon the Kennedy Center and allow it to be "ripped down" if the courts do not change the ruling regarding his name.
CNN - Trump claimed that "17 Million Dollars, raised by President Trump, has been put into The Kennedy Center account to keep it afloat."
CNN - The Kennedy Center's financial projections indicated it was "on track to fall nearly $100 million short of its revenue target" as of June.
CNN - A Washington Post investigation found that after Trump replaced the board, ticket revenue and fundraising revenue fell sharply, particularly after the board voted to put Trump's name on the building.
Rolling Stone - A Trump-appointed board voted to temporarily close the Kennedy Center after a judge blocked Trump from putting his name on the building.
Deadline - Barbra Streisand described the situation as a "bitter struggle over one man’s name and unchecked ego."
US Magazine - Streisand criticized Trump for threatening to cancel the Kennedy Center renovation plans if his name isn't added, describing his actions as "galling and painful to witness."
Rolling Stone - A Trump-appointed board voted to temporarily close the Kennedy Center after a judge blocked Trump from putting his name on the building.
Deadline - Barbra Streisand criticized Trump’s assertion that the Kennedy Center may be torn down.
WHERE:
Rolling Stone - Kennedy Center
WHEN:
US Magazine - Streisand's statement was published on Thursday, September 17.
WHY:
CNN - Trump’s administration argued in court that without his name on the building, fundraising would "come to a halt" and any funds raised would need to be returned.
US Magazine - Streisand expressed her indignation at the Kennedy Center becoming the subject of a struggle over "one man’s name and unchecked ego."
US Magazine - Streisand expressed her indignation over the situation, highlighting the struggle over "one man’s name and unchecked ego."
Deadline - Barbra Streisand expressed indignation over the Kennedy Center becoming the subject of a struggle over "one man’s name and unchecked ego."
HOW:
CNN - The judge ruled that the administration provided no evidence to support the claim that Trump's name was necessary for the Kennedy Center's financial stability.
Rolling Stone - The closure was a decision made by a board appointed by Trump.
(UPDATED September 18, 2026 17:01 UTC)
Trump has stated that he would abandon the Kennedy Center and allow it to be "ripped down" if the courts do not change the ruling regarding his name. He also claimed that he raised 17 million dollars to keep the center afloat, despite financial projections indicating it was on track to fall nearly 100 million dollars short of its revenue target. A recent investigation revealed that after Trump replaced the board, ticket and fundraising revenue sharply declined, particularly after the board voted to put his name on the building, and a judge ruled that the administration failed to provide evidence that his name was essential for the center's financial stability.
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(UPDATED September 18, 2026 16:01 UTC)
A board appointed by Trump has voted to temporarily close the Kennedy Center after a judge ruled against allowing Trump to put his name on the building. Barbra Streisand has weighed in on the situation, calling it a "bitter struggle over one man’s name and unchecked ego." She expressed her indignation that the Kennedy Center has become the center of this controversy.
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(UPDATED September 18, 2026 13:04 UTC)
Barbra Streisand, at 84 years old, has issued a statement on her website criticizing Trump for his threat to cancel the Kennedy Center renovation plans unless his name is included. She described his actions as "galling and painful to witness," expressing her indignation over the struggle surrounding "one man’s name and unchecked ego." This statement was published on Thursday, September 17.
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(UPDATED September 18, 2026 04:00 UTC)
A board appointed by Trump has voted to temporarily close the Kennedy Center after a judge blocked Trump from putting his name on the iconic building. Barbra Streisand has publicly criticized Trump’s claim that the Kennedy Center may be torn down, expressing her indignation over the situation becoming a struggle over "one man’s name and unchecked ego." This decision to close the center highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding its future and the influence of political figures on cultural landmarks.