Trump warns of Kennedy Center collapse after ceiling concrete falls

Former US President Donald Trump has warned of serious structural risks at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., after a large piece of concrete and steel fell from the ceiling of one of its busiest main corridors.

In a post on Truth Social discussing the future and safety of the center, Trump said the incident could have resulted in casualties had the building been open to the public. He noted that a security guard had passed through the area just one minute before the ceiling collapse, putting him "60 seconds away from certain death."

Trump criticized a court decision to keep the building open despite there being no performances or audience, adding that the Kennedy Center's board had overwhelmingly voted in favor of saving the center. He asserted that he could raise the necessary funds and oversee reconstruction, leveraging his previous position and what he described as the power of the presidency to restore the center to its former glory.

Criticism of court decisions and financial losses

Trump stated that the center was losing "hundreds of millions of dollars" when he took charge, emphasizing that he was not responsible for those losses. He said his goal was to reveal the facts and ensure the building's safety. Trump also criticized what he called a "highly hostile and conflicted judge," arguing that the ongoing legal dispute threatens the center's future and noting that more than six months have been lost to court proceedings.

Trump added that the center's board, which includes prominent US figures, is holding a new meeting to discuss recent developments, expressing anticipation for the outcome.