# Trump's Washington hostage crisis

> From the Kennedy Center to the Lincoln Memorial, Trump's renovation promises have become threats and closures.
- Title: Trump's Washington hostage crisis · Mother Jones | Shortify
- Summary: From the Kennedy Center to the Lincoln Memorial, Trump's renovation promises have become threats and closures. Trump is using federal landmarks as leverage…
- Keywords: donald trump, kennedy center, lincoln memorial, washington dc, federal landmarks, renovation projects, public facilities closure, no-bid contracts, national mall, white house, Trump's, Washington
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/09/the-kennedy-center-is-just-trumps-latest-hostage
- Author: Dan Friedman
- Published: 2026-09-18T11:41:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, kennedy center, lincoln memorial, washington dc, federal landmarks, renovation projects, public facilities closure, no-bid contracts, national mall, white house
## Kennedy Center becomes Trump's pawn
Trump threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if his administration doesn't receive "recognition" for improvements. The venue is now shuttered despite securing $250 million in congressional funding.

> It's death by a thousand cuts
## Judge blocks demolition plans
US District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered Trump's administration to provide 30 days' notice before making major physical changes to the Kennedy Center, including demolition. A center spokesperson denied any demolition is happening.

> nothing is being demolished
## Reflecting pool disaster unfolds
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool closed after its new lining peeled and filled with algae. Trump blamed vandals without evidence, but the contractor admitted worker errors caused the damage.
## Justice Department drops vandalism charges
The DOJ dropped criminal charges against three people accused of damaging the reflecting pool liner after evidence showed flawed construction was the real cause. The pool has remained drained since July.
## National Mall locked down indefinitely
A mile-long stretch of the National Mall is closed until January for "turf restoration" following Trump's Great American State Fair. The Ellipse remains fenced off since June after a UFC event damaged the grass.
## Lafayette Park gets permanent fencing plan
The Trump administration spent $17.4 million through a no-bid contract to repair fountains in Lafayette Park, then proposed permanently fencing off the historic protest site for security. The park remains closed.
## Pattern of closure and control
Trump's "safe and beautiful" Washington campaign has stalled multiple landmarks with legal challenges and construction flaws. Fences now surround parks and monuments across the capital, keeping taxpayers from viewing their own public spaces.
## Key takeaway

Trump is using federal landmarks as leverage, closing them and threatening demolition when he doesn't get the recognition or control he demands.