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Former Curator Blames Trump for Kennedy Center's Closure

4/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Josef Palermo, a former Kennedy Center curator, says U.S. President Donald Trump caused a two-year closure.
In an essay for The Atlantic, he cites "bizarre moves" and cronyism linked to Trump.
Palermo notes sponsorship sales and a donor lounge renamed after a pardoned CEO.
He criticizes Richard Grenell's leadership for neglecting staff meetings.
Palermo says funds were misallocated as urgent repairs were ignored while upgrades prevailed.

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Story summary

Josef Palermo, a former Kennedy Center curator, says U.S. President Donald Trump caused a two-year closure.
In an essay for The Atlantic, he cites "bizarre moves" and cronyism linked to Trump.
Palermo notes sponsorship sales and a donor lounge renamed after a pardoned CEO.
He criticizes Richard Grenell's leadership for neglecting staff meetings.
Palermo says funds were misallocated as urgent repairs were ignored while upgrades prevailed.