President Donald Trump delivered a strange speech about grass while promoting renovations at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday. The 79-year-old shifted from honoring award recipients to discussing how he plans to improve Washington, D.C., and its parks.
“We’re going to make it so beautiful again,” Trump told reporters and guests. “We’re going to be redoing the parks, redoing the grass. You know, grass is a lifetime, like people have a lifetime, and the lifetime of this grass has long been gone.”
Trump said he planned to use the “finest grasses” for the capital’s parks. “I know a lot about grass because I own a lot of golf courses,” he added. “If you don’t have good grass, you’re not in business very long.”
The president’s remarks came during the Kennedy Center Honorees announcement, which celebrated figures from entertainment and culture. Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone was among the recipients. Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford and disco singer Gloria Gaynor also received recognition.
Country singer George Strait was honored alongside legendary rock band KISS. Trump praised the band as “incredible people,” despite lead singer Paul Stanley criticizing Trump’s post-2020 election actions in Georgia. Stanley had described Trump’s efforts as “abhorrent” and “mob boss behavior.”
Trump’s speech also highlighted ongoing renovation projects at the Kennedy Center, where he serves as chairman of the board. “Look at the quality of the marble,” he said, surveying the ceiling and columns. “These columns, when you see them the next time, they’ll be magnificent… The bones are so good. If you don’t have the bones, you might as well forget it.”
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The president has previously criticized the Kennedy Center for poor management, calling the institution a “tremendous despair.” His concerns extend to Washington D.C. itself, where he has voiced intentions to assert federal control over local policing and city infrastructure.
Plans include deploying the National Guard, federalizing the metropolitan police, and relocating homeless individuals from areas near his motorcade routes. Trump has argued these changes are necessary to restore the city’s appearance and security.
Trump’s interest in renovations extends beyond public spaces. The White House has received his personal touch with stone tiles in the Rose Garden, yellow umbrellas, and gold embellishments in the Oval Office. A $200 million ballroom modeled after Mar-a-Lago has also been proposed.
“We’re fixing it up so beautifully,” Trump said about the White House. “It needed it. It’s been many, many years since it’s been properly taken care of. It’s incredible—one of the great places of the world.”
The president’s focus on appearances and infrastructure comes amid ongoing debates about federal authority and the role of city governments in Washington D.C. Critics have called some of his proposals aggressive and controversial.
Trump’s Kennedy Center speech drew attention for its unusual detour into topics like grass quality, marble, and architecture. Supporters praised his hands-on approach to renovation, while opponents questioned his focus and tone.
Trump also referenced some of his 1980s inspirations during the ceremony, praising Stallone and other awardees for their cultural impact. The speech mixed admiration for past icons with detailed plans for future beautification projects.
Officials at the Kennedy Center confirmed that the renovations are part of a long-term plan to improve visitor experience and preserve the building’s historic structure. The president’s comments have added public visibility to these efforts.
Some urban planners and architecture experts have raised concerns about federal involvement in local parks and public spaces. They argue that aesthetic improvements must balance public needs with safety and accessibility.
Trump’s remarks about grass, in particular, became a focal point on social media. Analysts noted that he framed the issue of turf management as both a practical concern and a metaphor for broader control over the city.
During the event, Trump repeatedly emphasized his authority as chairman of the Kennedy Center board and framed his renovation plans as a personal mission to restore grandeur to the nation’s capital.
The president’s approach to both the Kennedy Center and the White House reflects his broader philosophy of direct oversight and high-visibility projects. Supporters see this as leadership, while critics label it as self-aggrandizing.
Security measures during the event were heightened, given the high-profile nature of the honorees and the president’s public appearance. Local law enforcement and federal agents coordinated to ensure safety for attendees.
Trump’s comments on federal control in D.C. echo previous statements about city governance. The debate over federal versus local authority remains politically charged, with implications for both policy and public perception.
The Kennedy Center renovation plans include marble restoration, structural improvements, landscaping, and accessibility upgrades. Trump highlighted these improvements to underscore his commitment to preserving national cultural landmarks.
Attendees of the Kennedy Center ceremony described Trump’s speech as meandering but energetic. Some expressed surprise at the focus on landscaping and grass, while others welcomed the attention to infrastructure improvements.
Trump’s remarks come as the city prepares for upcoming cultural events, with officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining both aesthetics and functionality in public spaces.
The president concluded his speech by reaffirming his belief that both the Kennedy Center and Washington D.C. deserve national attention and resources. “We are going to make it beautiful again,” he said.
