Maria Shriver, niece of President John F. Kennedy, has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump's assertion that renovations to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts would be halted unless his name is added to the building.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, stated that the cultural institution, described by Shriver as a "living memorial" to her uncle, would not see renovations begin until the board's decision to include his name was ruled on by the D.C. Circuit. He further warned that if the ruling was negative and not overturned by the Supreme Court, the renovations would not proceed.
Shriver responded on social media, calling Trump's stance "small minded" and "narcissistic." She questioned why a sitting president would block renovations to a public building for personal naming rights, deeming it a "sad state of affairs" and a "tragedy." She contrasted this with the actions of "great men, devoted to public service and the public good."
She also suggested that Trump's focus on the issue was misplaced, given everyday American struggles with healthcare, gas prices, rent, and food, as well as ongoing international conflicts.
Kerry Kennedy, another niece of John F. Kennedy and sister to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., echoed Shriver's sentiments in an interview, calling the board's temporary closure of the center a "tragedy." She noted that there was no financial issue, as Congress had allocated over $250 million for renovations in the previous year.
Fencing was installed around the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, raising concerns about its future. The dispute follows a May ruling by a judge that Trump's name must be removed from the center, a decision Trump's handpicked board had attempted to block.