Maria Shriver Mocks Trump’s Closure Of The Kennedy Center With Her Own Vicious ‘Translation’

On Feb 4, 2026

Maria Shriver should offer a course on Duolingo for Trump- speak.

On Sunday, the niece of the late President John F. Kennedy took to X to offer her interpretation of President Donald Trump’s shocking announcement that the Kennedy Center will temporarily close down for two years due to “Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding.”

Maria Shriver speaks during the “Sally Ride: A Lifetime of Accomplishment, A Champion of Science Literacy” at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on May 20, 2013.

The former journalist began her post by pointing out that the performing arts center has hit a bit of a rough patch since Trump decided to slap his name on the facility, which is a pretty audacious move considering that it was built as a living memorial for Kennedy after his death.

“Translation: It has been brought to my attention that due to the name change (but nobody’s telling me it’s due to the name change), but it’s been brought to my attention that entertainers are canceling left and right,” Shriver wrote. “And I have determined that since the name change no one wants to perform there any longer.”

From Left: Shriver and President Donald Trump.

She went on to share what she thinks Trump is really saying between the lines of his announcement.

“I’ve determined that due to this change in schedule,” she continued as Trump. “It’s best for me to close this center down and rebuild a new center that will bear my name, which will surely get everybody to stop talking about the fact that everybody’s canceling… right?”

https://t.co/BDsjQeOAC9

— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 2, 2026

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Translation: It has been brought to my attention that due to the name change (but nobody’s telling me it’s due to the name change), but it’s been brought to my attention that entertainers are canceling left and right, and I have determined that since the name change no one wants… https://t.co/BDsjQeOAC9

— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 2, 2026

Trump made the announcement late Sunday on his Truth Social platform, calling the existing structure “tired, broken, and dilapidated.”

Trump wrote, “I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur, is to cease Entertainment Operations for an approximately two year period of time.”

He added that the venue will close on July 4 ― the nation’s 250th anniversary ― and will reopen shortly before he leaves office.

Maria Shriver, far right, at the grand opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1971. She is flanked by her father and mother, Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy, and siblings Tim and Bobby Shriver.

Droves of performers have been pulling out of their scheduled appearances at the traditionally nonpartisan venue, including the touring production of the musical “Hamilton,” composer Philip Glass, soprano Renée Fleming and “Insecure” creator Issa Rae.

There are also numerous reports of dwindling donations and declining ticket sales.

Shriver was by no means the only Kennedy family member to express their disdain for the closure.

“President Kennedy would remind us that it is not buildings that define the greatness of a nation. It is the actions of its people and its leaders,” former Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.), who is JFK’s grandnephew, wrote on X Sunday. “So, do not be distracted from what this Administration is actually trying to erase: our connection, our community, and our commitment to the rights of all.”