The Kennedy Center has paused its free tour program after an 87-year-old volunteer told The New York Times that President Trump had "killed" the institution. Brooks Broeke, director of the volunteer program, called the suspension a "temporary pause" — the first in roughly 50 years. Other volunteers had warned the center might face allegations of retaliation following the interview. The move arrives amid broader controversy over a proposed name change and a tarp-covered façade.
Kennedy Center Pauses Free Tours After Volunteer Says Trump ‘Killed’ Institution — First Suspension in 50 Years
Trump Punishes Kennedy Center After Tour Guide Said He Ruined It
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has temporarily suspended its long-running free tour program after an 87-year-old volunteer tour guide told The New York Times that President Donald Trump had "killed" the institution.
In a memo reviewed by The New York Times, Brooks Broeke, director of the Kennedy Center's volunteer program, announced a "temporary pause" in tours — the program's first suspension in roughly five decades. Broeke did not set a date for the tours to resume.
"This place used to be really thriving and busy and crowded," said volunteer Sandy Weiswasser in the interview published Monday. "Now it's a black hole."
According to reporting, the pause followed the Times interview with Weiswasser. Before the memo circulated, three other volunteers expressed concern privately that the center might target the tour program in retaliation for her comments.
Context And Reactions
Officials and volunteers have pointed to a string of controversies at the Kennedy Center in recent months. Critics say the center has been a focal point for political disputes, including debates over a proposed name change and cancellations by some artists. After the center removed a publicly displayed name related to that dispute, the building's façade has remained covered by a large tarp, drawing further attention.
Center leadership framed the suspension as a temporary administrative step to review and refresh the tour program; volunteers and commentators described it as the latest episode in a broader clash between arts institutions and political dynamics.
What Next: The memo does not provide a timeline for restarting tours. The Kennedy Center and Brooks Broeke did not immediately provide additional public comment beyond the memo; The New York Times piece remains the primary source for details about Weiswasser's interview and volunteer concerns.
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