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Kennedy Center Premiere for Melania Trump Excludes Major Media

2/2/2026

27 5 Full Breakdown

Center

Trump's Film Premiere

The Kennedy Center premiere for Melania Trump, the former First Lady, barred The New York Times and The Associated Press.
The move reflects tensions between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and traditional media.
Amazon MGM spent $75 million on the film, with opening weekend projections of $3–5 million.
Amid political unrest, some crew members opted out of credits because of concerns about the administration.

Right

Glass Withdraws Symphony

Philip Glass has withdrawn Symphony No. 15, dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, from the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The move follows a conflict between the Trump-Kennedy Center's leadership and the values represented in Glass's work.
The move drew mixed reactions, as Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi noted the center's opposition to political boycotts and the public's preference for artistic expression.

Left

Trump Halts Kennedy Center

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-year halt to entertainment operations at the Kennedy Center.
The pause follows a year of canceled performances by artists opposing Trump.
The decision followed Trump's removal of Democratic board members and a name change at the Kennedy Center.
Trump said the review was necessary to enhance the center's success and beauty and pledged a grand reopening surpassing previous events.

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Trump's Film Premiere

The Kennedy Center premiere for Melania Trump, the former First Lady, barred The New York Times and The Associated Press.
The move reflects tensions between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and traditional media.
Amazon MGM spent $75 million on the film, with opening weekend projections of $3–5 million.
Amid political unrest, some crew members opted out of credits because of concerns about the administration.

1 / 3