President Donald Trump threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah and announced the temporary closure of the Kennedy Center, just days after attending the premiere of a documentary about his wife, Melania. The events unfolded amidst political tensions, including criticisms of Trump's immigration policies at the Grammy Awards and growing momentum in cities against ICE.
Trump threatened legal action against Noah, the former host of The Daily Show, over a joke made during the Grammy Awards ceremony. Noah "incorrectly" stated that "Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island," according to Trump, who responded on Truth Social, "Wrong. I cant speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonights false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media." Trump further stated, "Noah, a total loser, better get his facts straight, and get them straight fast. It looks like Ill be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C., and suing him for plenty. Get ready, Noah, Im going."
The Grammy Awards also saw other celebrities taking a stand against the Trump Administration's immigration policies. The 68th Grammy Awards distinguished themselves with their "distinctly political tenor," according to Time, with several attendees using the opportunity to criticize President Trump.
Meanwhile, President Trump announced the Kennedy Center would close on July 4 for an approximately two-year renovation project. Trump stated on Truth Social that the decision followed "a yearlong review with contractors, musical experts, arts institutions, and advisors," adding that the closure was "totally necessary." This announcement came after "a battering of cancellations by artists slated to perform at the venue," following the President's decision to upend the Center's leadership and append his name to the space last year, according to Time.
These events occurred against a backdrop of increasing resistance to the Trump Administration's immigration policies. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, speaking at the annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., warned of a growing crisis. "We are on the front line of a very important battle," Frey said, adding, "If we do not speak up, if we do not step out, it will be your city that is next." Time reported that mayors across the country were responding to fear and anxiety that their communities would be the Trump Administration's next target.
The documentary "Melania" premiered at the Kennedy Center shortly before the closure announcement. The film, acquired by Amazon MGM Studios in early 2025 for $40 million, reportedly grossed $7 million domestically during its opening weekend, according to NPR News. Amazon spent $35 million on marketing the film. Audience demographics were largely white (75%), women (70%), and 55 or over (72%). Top markets included Dallas, Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, and West Palm Beach.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment