ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Trump Photographed with Image of Kennedy Center Appearing to Be Demolished

institutional · 2026-09-17

On Thursday, a striking image of Donald Trump inspecting a representation of the Kennedy Center in Washington, seemingly being torn down, garnered significant attention. Captured by Agence France-Presse photographer Brendan Smialowski late Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews, the photo shows the Republican leader through the windows of Air Force One, holding a sign with bold red lettering that reads: "Kennedy Center DEMOLIS …" The rest of the word was hidden by the window frame. Below the text, a large image depicts a yellow construction vehicle clearing debris from a demolished structure. Trump has often expressed a desire to demolish the arts venue due to his frustration over being unable to rename it after himself.

Key facts

  • A photo of Donald Trump examining a depiction of Washington's Kennedy Center apparently being demolished sparked widespread attention on Thursday.
  • The image was captured by Agence France-Presse photographer Brendan Smialowski late on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews.
  • Trump was seen through the windows of Air Force One holding a placard with visible red text declaring: "Kennedy Center DEMOLIS …"
  • The rest of the word was obscured by the plane's window frame.
  • Below the words is a large picture showing a yellow heavy construction vehicle scooping rubble from a torn-down building.
  • Trump has threatened to tear down the famed arts venue because he has been blocked from renaming it after himself.
  • Trump has mused repeatedly about razing the Washington arts venue.
  • The US president is a Republican leader.

Entities

Artists

  • Donald Trump
  • Brendan Smialowski

Institutions

  • Agence France-Presse
  • Kennedy Center
  • Air Force One
  • Joint Base Andrews
  • The New York Times

Locations

  • Washington
  • United States
  • Joint Base Andrews

Sources