Vandals poured a toxic chemical across the outdoor ice rink at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — recently renamed the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts — early Friday morning, forcing officials to cancel that evening’s scheduled performance.
According to reports, a brown-black substance was spread across the ice surface, causing severe damage to the outdoor arena. A gallon-sized container was reportedly left behind on the rink. Officials confirmed the substance was toxic, though the exact chemical has not been publicly identified.
No suspects or motive have been announced. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Park Police, and surveillance footage has been provided to the FBI.
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the center, described the damage as the result of a targeted attack.
“Today, a targeted attack on the Trump Kennedy Center vandalized and destroyed our outdoor arena, causing severe damage that we unfortunately must cancel tonight’s performance, but we are working feverishly to complete repairs so programming can resume tomorrow,” Daravi said in a statement.
The vandalism led to the cancellation of a performance by Le Patin Libre, a Montreal-based artistic skating company. The troupe had chosen to move forward with its scheduled appearance despite calls from some activists urging artists to boycott the venue following its renaming. Founder Alexandre Hamel said the company maintained its commitment because “we don’t have this kind of prosperity that allows us to live easily and perform when we want.”
Center President Richard Grenell attributed the vandalism to a broader campaign against the institution. “This is so sad & unnecessary – @TheDemocrats have been calling artists urging them to cancel and attacking the Center non-stop,” Grenell wrote on X. “It’s a calculated campaign.”
The incident comes months after the board of trustees voted unanimously in December 2025 to rename the facility in honor of President Donald Trump alongside President John F. Kennedy.
Since the renaming, several high-profile artists and productions have withdrawn from scheduled appearances at the center. According to reports, those who have canceled performances include the touring production of Hamilton, composer Philip Glass, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and choreographer Doug Varone. Many critics of the renaming have cited opposition to President Trump’s policies as the reason for withdrawing.
Repairs to the damaged rink were underway Friday as officials worked to resume programming.
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