Maria Shriver Proposes Duolingo Course to Decode Trump's Kennedy Center Announcement
In a biting social media critique, journalist and Kennedy family member Maria Shriver suggested that a Duolingo course might be needed to interpret President Donald Trump's language. This came after Trump's surprising announcement that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will temporarily shut down for two years, citing "Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding."
Shriver's Sarcastic Translation of Trump's Statement
On Sunday, Shriver took to X to offer her own interpretation of Trump's decision, which she linked to his controversial move to rename the facility The Trump Kennedy Center. The center was originally established as a living memorial to her uncle, President John F. Kennedy, following his assassination.
"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, mimicking Trump's speaking style. "And I have determined that since the name change no one wants to perform there any longer."
She continued her satirical take, implying that Trump's real motive is to rebuild a center bearing his name to divert attention from the cancellations. "I’ve determined that due to this change in schedule," she wrote as if channeling 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?"
Trump's Announcement and the Backlash
Trump made the closure announcement late Sunday on his Truth Social platform, describing the existing structure as "tired, broken, and dilapidated." He stated, "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."
The venue is set to close on July 4, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary, and reopen shortly before Trump leaves office. This move has sparked significant controversy, as the Kennedy Center has traditionally been a nonpartisan cultural hub.
Kennedy Family and Broader Reactions
Shriver was not alone in her criticism. Former Representative Joe Kennedy III, JFK's grandnephew, also expressed dismay on X, emphasizing the center's symbolic importance. "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," he wrote, urging the public not to be distracted from what he sees as an attempt to erase cultural connections.
The closure announcement follows reports of numerous performers withdrawing from scheduled appearances, including:
- The touring production of the musical "Hamilton"
- Composer Philip Glass
- Soprano Renée Fleming
- "Insecure" creator Issa Rae
Additionally, there have been accounts of declining donations and ticket sales, further fueling the debate over the center's future under its new name.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and cultural institutions, with Shriver's Duolingo quip adding a layer of humor to a serious political and cultural dispute.
