Video exposes disrepair lurking beneath Trump Kennedy Center as $257M renovation looms

By Fox News · Fox News

Peeling concrete, exposed steel rebar, rust-streaked electrical equipment and vents patched together with layers of duct tape are among the problems hidden beneath the Trump Kennedy Center , according to photos, project materials and board minutes obtained by Fox News Digital as officials push to temporarily shut down the building for major repairs. The Trump Kennedy Center released documentation Wednesday of what it described as " decades of deferred maintenance and critical infrastructure needs" as part of a $257 million renovation effort, offering an unusually detailed look at the condition of the venue as leadership pushes forward with the project. The disclosures come as debate intensifies over the plan to close the center for up to two years. While there appears to be broad agreement that the building requires significant repair, some Democrats have objected to the speed of the process. According to March 16 meeting minutes reviewed by Fox News Digital, Democrat Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, said she had "no opposition for the need for repair" but "strongly opposes voting on a closure." TAXPAYERS ON THE HOOK FOR LAWN CARE, FIXING HINGES AT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES; TRUMP-LED REFORMS AIM TO STOP IT The minutes also say Beatty argued there had not been "enough time to review, study, and discuss" the proposal. The condition of the building is evident in images and video provided by the Trump Kennedy Center, which show water damage affecting electrical systems, rusted infrastructure and large sections of concrete where internal steel supports are exposed. Project materials describe "2,000+ pound soffit panels" that have reached "end-of-life" and "present a public safety risk," along with "hundreds of structural failure points" in areas such as the parking garage. Officials also cited "extensive water infiltration," deterioration in electrical rooms beneath entrances and long-term damage affecting the center's iconic white marble exterior as well as concrete and core s…