Kennedy Center Warns of “Certain Fiscal Collapse” and Closure This Week, Says Trump’s Name May Be the Only Fix

Donald Trump’s hand-appointed leaders of the Kennedy Center are warning of “certain fiscal collapse” and an immediate need to close the buildings for repair, arguing that the only thing that could possibly save the cherished institution is Trump’s ego name. The Washington Post obtained a 57-page document that described the dire situation. The packet was distributed to the Kennedy Center board of trustees ahead of a special meeting Tuesday, during which they are to consider a pair of resolutions aimed at solving the financial and physical distress of the center. On the financial front, Center officials warn that they will be unable to make payroll “within a matter of weeks.” Internal budget documents revealed earlier this year that the Center was running at a roughly $23 million deficit, having lost nearly $100 million in anticipated revenue and enacting steep spending cuts. The drop off in ticket sales and donations — not to mention lawsuits like the $250,000 one the Center tried to levy against Chuck Redd for canceling his Christmas show — all followed Trump’s adding his name to the Kennedy Center building, a move which was overturned by a judge ruling only Congress could change t...