Streisand fires back at Trump over Kennedy Center, sparking drama

**Barbra Streisand Slams Trump Over Kennedy Center Name Clash**

Barbra Streisand, 84, released a scathing statement on her website Thursday, September 17, denouncing former President Donald Trump for threatening to stop the Kennedy Center’s renovation if his name were not added to the building.

Streisand called Trump’s move “galling and painful to witness,” framing it as a battle over the legacy of a revered public institution. The dispute follows Trump’s own posts on TruthSocial, where he warned that the center’s reconstruction would not begin until a court approved his name.

Streisand wrote, “Now, a thoroughly defeated Trump has announced that the Kennedy Center is being closed for what the completely stacked board describes as a major renovation.” She added, “Oddly, when Trump’s name was still on the building, there was no discussion of closing it!” Her statement also noted that “You can easily imagine my indignation at seeing this revered institution become the subject of such a bitter struggle over one man’s name and unchecked ego.”

The singer‑actress had been honored by the Kennedy Center in 2008, receiving the 31st annual class of Kennedy Center Honorees.

She said, “I was deeply honored to be included in the 31st annual class of Kennedy Center Honorees.” Streisand further explained that the honor “represented something larger than a career recognition… the importance of art to the life of a democracy,” underscoring why she felt “so galling and painful to witness” what is happening.

## Background & Context

The Kennedy Center, named after President John F. Kennedy, has long been a symbol of American arts and civic pride.

In September 15, Trump announced on TruthSocial that the board had agreed “to close the Building for Safety reasons, and so that it can begin the process of Reconstruction.” He warned that “the Renovation and Reconstruction… cannot begin until such time as the D.C.

Circuit rules on the Board’s approved name.” Trump also claimed that “$17 million … has already been put into The Kennedy Center account to keep it afloat.”

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued a ruling explaining that Congress must approve any addition of Trump’s name to the building.

He stated, “Simply put, Defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress’ blessing.” The judge’s decision underscores that the controversy hinges on a legal and congressional approval process rather than a simple administrative choice.

## What People Are Saying

Streisand’s critique was framed as a defense of artistic integrity, drawing on her own experience as an honored artist. Trump’s social‑media posts framed the issue as a threat to the center’s future, .

Maria Shriver, 70, weighed in , writing, “Adding your name to a memorial already named in honor of a great man doesn’t make you a great man… What is that about? Truly?

What’s that about?” JFK’s only grandson, Jack Schlossberg, also publicly criticized Trump’s attempts to attach his name to the memorial.

## What Happens Next

The center’s board faces a decision that requires congressional approval before any name change can be made. If Congress does not grant permission, Judge Cooper’s ruling indicates that the building cannot be renamed or that reconstruction could be halted entirely.

Trump’s threat to stop renovations if his name is not added remains a key leverage point, but its efficacy depends on legal and political outcomes yet to unfold. The Kennedy Center’s future will hinge on whether Congress acts and whether the courts uphold Trump’s position.

In this unfolding saga, the arts community watches as the legacy of the Kennedy Center intersects with politics, law, and public memory.