Broadway legend Patti LuPone has ignited controversy with her inflammatory remarks about the Kennedy Center and her call for New York to secede from the United States. LuPone declared that the Trump-led Kennedy Center “should get blown up,” expressing outrage over the president’s overhaul of the prestigious arts institution. Could LuPone’s comments be viewed as inciting violence?
Broadway Star’s Explosive Comments
Broadway icon Patti LuPone has sparked outrage after suggesting the Kennedy Center “should get blown up” following President Donald Trump’s takeover of the prestigious arts institution. The controversial remarks came during an interview with The New Yorker, where LuPone expressed her dismay over Trump’s decision to install himself as chairman and replace board members with his allies.
LuPone’s comments represent the latest escalation in the ongoing culture war surrounding America’s premier performing arts center. The Tony Award-winning performer has been a vocal critic of Trump for years, previously stating she would move to Ireland if he won the 2020 election.
POLITICAL VIOLENCE: Democrats are willing to burn America to the ground if they can't control it. On Monday, Broadway star, Patti LuPone called for the bombing of the Kennedy Center. The left constantly accuses the right of political violence, but the violence almost always seems… pic.twitter.com/Ei8dp3Cf5Q
— @amuse (@amuse) May 28, 2025
Trump’s Kennedy Center Transformation
Donald Trump announced his Kennedy Center overhaul on Truth Social, vowing to make the institution “great again” by showcasing talent from across the nation. His changes included ending certain programming like all-age drag shows, which he specifically called out in his announcement, declaring, “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”
The president’s actions have led to significant backlash within the arts community, with several artists resigning or canceling performances in protest. Trump defended his vision for the center, stating, “The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation.”
Hollywood actress Patti Lupone says the Trump-led Kennedy Center “should get blown up.” pic.twitter.com/s4QwUfuukD
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 28, 2025
Secession Calls and Condemnation
Beyond her Kennedy Center remarks, LuPone also raised eyebrows by advocating for New York to secede from the United States. During the same New Yorker interview, she expressed a desire for New York to become its own country, highlighting the state’s diversity and unique character while imploring others to “Leave New York alone.”
Richard Grenell, the newly appointed president of the Kennedy Center, condemned LuPone’s comments in stark terms. “The far left has morphed into violent extremists. This is completely unacceptable, from the same people who claim to be for tolerance and diversity. Everyone should condemn these radicals,” Grenell stated, escalating the war of words between the Trump administration and members of the arts community.