Barbra Streisand has blasted U.S. President Donald Trump for threatening to demolish the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
In a letter published on her website on Thursday, the Hollywood icon recalled being “deeply honoured” to be recognised as part of the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors.
Streisand then took aim at Trump, who told reporters on Wednesday that the venue could “close” or be “ripped down” if his administration doesn’t receive “recognition”.
“That is why what is happening to the Kennedy Center is so galling and painful to witness,” she began. “When Donald Trump attempted to put his name alongside the late President Kennedy’s on the building’s entrance, the move was met with widespread opposition from artists and much of the public.”
In addition, Streisand urged Trump to drop his campaign to have his name added to the exterior of the building. The 80-year-old politician has made two attempts to do so – both of which have been blocked by a judge.
“You can easily imagine my indignation at seeing this revered institution become the subject of such a bitter struggle over one man’s name and unchecked ego,” the 84-year-old continued. “It is difficult not to think about what President Kennedy himself would have envisioned for the Center: not a monument frozen in time, but a living place where artists could challenge, inspire, provoke, and bring Americans together through the transformative power of the arts.”
And to conclude, Streisand urged fans to reflect on John F. Kennedy’s legacy. The late American leader, known as JFK, was assassinated in 1963.
“The Kennedy Center was meant to pay tribute to a beloved president, and to advance his philosophy that artistic achievement was proof of a free society. He believed that when the creative impulse cannot flourish freely, a society loses its vitality,” she added. “Yet another reason why it is so important that Americans exercise their right to vote in the upcoming midterm elections!”
Representatives for the White House have not yet responded to Streisand’s comments.
On Thursday, District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered Kennedy Center officials to provide at least 30 days’ notice of demolition or major construction.
