Russia

Iconic US cultural center calls demolition warning a hypothetical scenario

TASS English · 2026-08-26

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts responded to a warning from US administration attorneys about a potential demolition, stating it reflects a hypothetical scenario contingent on the blockage of necessary renovations. • Why it matters: The center's renovation is critical for its future, and the warning highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding funding and political interests that could impact cultural institutions. • What to watch next: Monitor developments regarding the federal court's decision on the renovation plans and any potential legal actions from historians and architects that could affect the center's future.

Iconic US cultural center calls demolition warning a hypothetical scenario "This language describes a hypothetical scenario of what could happen if the Center’s desperately needed renovation is blocked by partisan interests," a spokesman for the cultural institution saidWASHINGTON, August 26. /TASS/. A warning from the US administration’s attorneys about a potential move to demolish the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts reflects a hypothetical scenario, a spokesman for the cultural institution explained to TASS in the wake of US media reports about demolition plans. "This language describes a hypothetical scenario of what could happen if the Center’s desperately needed renovation is blocked by partisan interests," he said on Tuesday. He referred to a filing from the US Justice Department which suggested on Monday that the Washington-based center could be demolished if courts block US President Donald Trump’s plan to overhaul it. On December 18, the Center board decided to add Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center in honor of the 35th, 45th and 47th presidents of the United States. However, a federal court ruled that the executive branch lacked the legal authority to do so. The Center, sometimes referred to as an "unofficial Department of Culture of the United States" in Washington, was supposed to close for almost two years of restoration in July. However, a number of US societies of historians and architects filed a lawsuit against the Center board blocking the renovations plan. TagsUnited StatesKiev ignores UN reports on Ukrainian Orthodox Church persecution — Russia’s MFAThe topic of persecution against the UOC is "increasingly being raised, which is encouraging, in the media, including abroad, and the legal community is addressing it," Mikhail Melekh saidRead moreBrussels’ energy policy could exacerbate EU’s chronic gas crisis — expertNorway has remained the largest gas supplier to the European Union since 2022, though its resource base is gradually depleting, Igor Yushkov said Read moreGrowing interest in Russia in Asia reflects credit on Eastern Economic Forum — officialAnton Kobyakov noted that Asian economists advocate for the restoration of full-fledged relations with MoscowRead moreRussian forces mop up large area near Zaporozhye Region's Dolinka — expertAndrey Marochko also said that Russian servicemen have almost mopped up Malye Shcherbaki, Mirnoye and Nesteryanka, which are located close to DolinkaRead moreHouthis report drone strike on Saudi Aramco refinery in JazanThe rebels stated that the attack was in response to an airspace violation in the Yemeni governorates of Saada and HajjahRead moreFSB nabs suspect in Baikal-Amur Railway freight trains explosionAccording to the press service, the suspect "gave confessionary evidence" that he took away eight explosives from a cache, delivered them to Buryatia and planted them on freight trains’ oil tanksRead moreBank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate to 84.46 rubles for August 26The official euro exchange rate has been raised by 1 ruble and 7.98 kopecks to 98.5182 rublesRead moreRussia may harvest 85.3 mln metric tons of wheat in 2023 — research firmThe weather is currently viewed as comfortable for the new harvest, experts notedRead moreEnergy ministry assesses diesel fuel situation on Russian market as stableThe ministry reported that additional volumes following export restrictions were redirected to the domestic marketRead moreCIA chief visited Moscow to warn Russia over troop buildup near Ukraine, CNN saysThe TV channel noted that during his official two-day visit this week, William Burns also expressed concern that Russia is close to using its gas exports as leverageRead moreRussian Central Bank’s representative office to open in India soon — ambassadorAccording to Dmitry Alipov, "the need to deepen the financial dialogue is driven by the active expansion of bilateral trade and economic relations" between the two countriesRead morePrice of Brent oil down below $89 per barrel on London’s ICE first since August 17As of 2:56 p.m. Moscow time, the Brent price was down by 3.47% at $88.97 a barrelRead moreUkraine plans to pay Russia for gas after price reduction“Ukraine will pay for the consumed gas when it resolves strategic issues, including gas prices,” Ukraine’s parliament-appointed Minister of Economy and Trade Pavel Sheremeta saysRead moreRussian authorities will decide on extending ban on diesel exports soonFully meeting domestic fuel needs, including those of agricultural producers during seasonal field operations, remains a prior task, the Russian Energy Ministry notedRead moreRussia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesmanAccording to Dmitry Peskov, The Ukraine process is currently on hold Read moreUkraine’s metals industry on verge of systemic shutdown — agencyFor Ukraine, a systemic crisis entails a loss of export revenues, rising construction costs, and issues with the hryvnia exchange rate, the RBC-Ukraine notedRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about detention of Armenia's former president, his sonArmenia's Anti-Corruption Committee accuses Robert Kocharyan of removing a number of valuable real estate properties from state ownership and acquiring them at below-market pricesRead moreRescuers find cabins carrying tourists swept away from thermal springs on SakhalinRescuers landed at the thermal springs and have now set off on foot toward the location where the containers were foundRead moreDodon does not rule out provocations at Russia-protected ammunition depots in TransnistriaAccording to the former president of Moldova, the Moldovan intelligence service is downplaying the potential consequences of ammo warehousesRead morePalestinian president, head of Syrian administration discuss situation in Gaza StripBoth sides also committed to continuing coordination and consultation on regional and international issues"Read moreChinese envoy hails Moscow Zoo for creating great atmosphere for pandasZhang Hanhui also congratulated panda Katyusha on her birthdayRead moreUS Secret Service aware of Iranian video threatening Barron Trump’s lifeAccording to a number of US media outlets, the Iranian media broadcast a video suggesting option for killing Barron Trump for a reward of $10 millionRead moreTurkey has no hidden agenda in Middle East, Erdogan saysAccording to the Turkish president, the republic's goal is to ensure an atmosphere of peaceRead moreBrent crude oil falls below $87 per barrel on ICE exchange for first time since August 14The WTI crude oil futures with September delivery was down by 4.95% to $80.8 per barrelRead moreNearly 20 seafarers killed while crossing Hormuz since Iran war started in FebruaryAs of August 21, as many as 68 incidents had been confirmedRead moreRussian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,400 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreSixteen Russian athletes to participate in 2026 ICF Canoe Sprint World ChampionshipsParacanoeing competitions will be also held within the framework of the 2026 World Championships and Russia will be represented by six rowersRead moreIran to hold talks on managing Hormuz with Oman within a timeframe of 60 days — diplomatIran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabad confirmed that the waterway will remain closed and that Iran has full control of the areaRead moreUkrainian settlement, AI, POWs rights: Lavrov’s talks with Vatican envoyMoscow expects the Vatican will pay attention to Kiev's illegal actions, the Russian foreign minister stressedRead moreUS lawmaker Luna lauds reports about CIA chief’s trip to RussiaJohn Ratcliffe is doing some great things on behalf of the US, Anna Paulina Luna saidRead moreMaximum rate on ruble deposits up to 12.9% in second ten-day period of August — regulatorThe rate was 12.89% per annum in the first ten days of this monthRead moreDikes made higher in Khabarovsk to resist rising waterThe flood has inundated Khabarovsk, Nanai and Amur municipal districts and the city of Khabarovsk itselfRead moreRussia, Vatican maintain trustworthy relations — Foreign Minister LavrovThe top Russian diplomat said the sides welcomed the upcoming meeting between the Secretary of the Holy See and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church RelationsRead moreOne civilian killed, seven wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during dayThree dwelling houses, six civilian infrastructure facilities, a bus, and eight trucks were damagedRead moreRussian figure skater Lazarev wins men’s singles at ISU Junior Grand Prix in ChinaHe scored 250.21 pointsRead moreSecurity at critical facilities to be tightened — Kremlin spokesmanDmitry Peskov said that Russia is facing an obvious threat of drone attacks against both critical infrastructure and facilities that are critical to the economy and social sphereRead moreRussian company Sector develops EW-resistant video receiver for UAVsThe device is already being used in Russia’s special military operation zone un UkraineRead moreRussia, Serbia agree to continue consultations on security challenges — foreign ministryThe sides spoke in favor of continuing the practice of holding regular consultations and maintaining close contacts in the area of combating international terrorism Read moreRussian Soyuz-2.1b rocket with spacecraft lifts off from Plesetsk spaceport — ministryThe rocket carries a spacecraft in the Russian Defense Ministry’s interestsRead moreIranians not fighting for Hezbollah in southern Lebanon — officialMahmoud Qamati, deputy head of the Hezbollah political council, also condemned the Lebanese government’s intention to disarm all illegal groups in the countryRead moreUkraine’s ex-Defense Minister Fyodorov says Kiev losing in conflict with RussiaAccording to Mikhail Fyodorov, now is the pivotal point Read moreNearly 90 people missing following Spanish floodsSo far, 211 deaths have been reportedRead moreRussia not to forget Ukraine’s terror attack on Starobelsk, to seek justice — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister said the Kiev regime continues demonstrating its utter brutality by targeting childrenRead moreUS military transport plane lands in MoscowThe aircraft departed from Andrews Air Force Base near WashingtonRead moreDeath toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 4,350 — health ministryThe amount of being injured has climbed to 12,310Read moreRussia to retain fourth place globally in terms of purchasing power parity — expertEven amid persistent and mounting external pressure, Russian economy is maintaining its relative standing, Executive Director of the Stolypin Institute of Growth Economics Anton Sviridenko saidRead moreIn calls with foreign leaders, Trump demands that they cut ties with Iran — BessentUS Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent refused to name those who received calls from the USRead moreRussia’s Pomoshnikov wins gold at 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving ChampionshipsThe judges awarded Matvey Pomoshnikov 333,90 points for his performanceRead moreFirst power unit of El Dabaa NPP to be connected to grid in 2028 — Rosatom chief executiveFour power units are being constructed simultaneouslyRead moreQuite a lot of contacts between Russia, US now — senior Russian diplomatIt doesn’t take long to agree them, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov saidRead moreUS not planning new strikes on Iran, may focus on other means of pressure instead — AxiosAccording to the news portal, Washington will focus on putting more economic pressure on Iran through the sanctions and naval blockadeRead moreDeployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — KremlinDmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia has consistently conveyed its position at multiple levelsRead moreSyrian Kurd leader says armed groups to be dissolved — agencyCommander of the Kurd’s Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi also said that the Kurdish autonomous administration in northeastern Syria will become part of the governmentRead morePutin signs decree on measures to protect critical infrastructureAccording to the decree, the Russian government may assume temporary control over critical infrastructure sites, when owners neglect security protocols or delay necessary repairsRead moreIN BRIEF: Ukrainian connection in drone incident in GermanyThe Russian Foreign Intelligence Service questioned whether the German authorities have the political will "to draw impartial conclusions and officially announce them"Read moreWith attacks on homes Kiev admits it is unable to reclaim Donbass, Novorossiya — activistAccording to Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev, recent assaults on a residential building and the United Russia party headquarters in Melitopol, Zaporozhye, underscore this strategyRead moreKremlin calls rumors about mobilization in Russia fake news spread by KievDmitry Peskov stressed that the Kiev regime attempted to ideologically destabilize the situation in RussiaRead moreKiev ignores UN reports on Ukrainian Orthodox Church persecution — Russia’s MFAThe topic of persecution against the UOC is "increasingly being raised, which is encouraging, in the media, including abroad, and the legal community is addressing it," Mikhail Melekh saidRead moreEconomic war against Iran could end in defeat for US allies — expertIran still has considerable capacity to disrupt everybody else’s exports, Jorge Leon saidRead moreSlovak police foils attempted arson at drone production facilityCharges have been brought against three foreignersRead moreRussian troops liberate Annovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,275 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreEEF can't be called SPIEF's 'little brother' anymore — officialThe EEF has long stepped out of the shadow of its 'older brother' to stand on its own in the calendar of international events and among Russia’s national priorities, Anton Kobyakov saidRead moreShnaider/Ruud reach quarter finals vs. Andreeva/Rublev at US OpenThe 2026 US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the year, with the main draw of the singles running from August 30 through September 13Read moreIn case of catastrophe on Earth the Moon could be humanity's salvation — Roscosmos CEODmitry Bakanov emphasized the utmost importance of developing all life support technologies on the MoonRead moreIran has legitimate right to wield control over Strait of Hormuz — Vice President ArefReza Aref emphasized that "the double standards of the West in terms of human rights and the justification of crimes such as the killing of 168 teenagers require Iran to rely on internal reserves so that its position in the international arena is stable"Read moreRussia’s Il-76 aircraft prevents fire from spreading to populated areas in SerbiaSerbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic emphasized Russia's rapid response to the request for firefighting assistanceRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup East destroys 36 Ukrainian drone control posts over past dayThe Ukrainian military lost over 315 personnel, an armored personnel carrier and two armored combat vehicles over the past 24 hoursRead moreTehran's condition for resuming dialogue is US compliance with Islamabad agreementAccording to the source, the Pakistani side is actively working to communicate this stance to the United StatesRead moreWest not going to invest in Ukraine’s economic development — Ukrainian economistOleg Pendzin noted that Europe needs Ukraine as "a shield"Read moreJapan can assemble nuclear weapons within one year — Kremlin aideRussian Presidential Aide and Executive Secretary of the Eastern Economic Forum Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov drew attention to Japan’s revanchist militarizationRead moreSanctions could not stop Russia’s trade growth — top security official"Over the past two years, the Russian economy grew by 4.1%," Sergey Shoigu notedRead moreTrump warns Iran against placing mines in Strait of HormuzAccording to the US leader, all mines within the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz have been destroyed or removedRead moreOne civilian killed, eight others injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR during past daySix civilian infrastructure facilities, three residential buildings, a shuttle bus, and trucks were damaged in the attacksRead morePress Review: EU boosts arms aid to Ukraine as India bolsters Russia ties amid US pressureTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 25thRead moreManturov notes strong Indian interest in SJ-100, Il-114-300 aircraftThe Russian first deputy prime minister also said that a prototype of a high-speed electric train jointly produced by India and Russia will be assembled by the end of this year, after which serial production will beginRead moreKiev uses Orthodox relics to pay for arms supplies — Russian Foreign MinistryThe current Ukrainian authorities regard these artifacts merely as commodities, Russian Foreign Ministry’s special envoy for international cooperation in ensuring freedom of religion Mikhail Melekh statedRead moreMore than 60% of Russians ready to take part in September elections — surveyNearly 70% of respondents are aware of the single voting day, Mikhail Mamonov, director of political research at the VTsIOM analytical center, saidRead moreWest seeks to create flashpoints along Russia’s borders, Medvedev saysThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that it had been going on for centuriesRead moreFACTBOX: Two deaths, fire at oil refinery in southern Russia, aftermath of Kiev’s strikeDuring the past night, alert air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 148 Ukrainian aerial targets, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin Spokesman Peskov on US aircraft in Moscow, Ukrainian settlement termsTASS has compiled the key statements by the Kremlin spokesmanRead moreTop Iranian diplomat hails agreement with Oman of Hormuz as example of regional solutionsIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "Iran’s commitment to peace and stability goes hand in hand with ongoing diplomatic work with neighboring states"Read moreWest no longer willing to allow Ukraine to strike civilians in Russia — senatorThis is evident both in the harsher language used by international organizations and in the changing tone of foreign media, Alexander Voloshin saidRead moreTrade turnover between Russia, Belarus gains 12.5% in 1H 2026Last year trade turnover between the two countries grew by around 3%Read moreTrade between Russia, India has increased this year — PutinThe Russian president stressed that the Indian foreign minister’s current visit to Moscow underscores the level of relations that Russia and India have built over decadesRead moreRussia wants Vatican to denounce Kiev’s actions against Ukrainian Orthodox ChurchMikhail Melekh said that Vatican is generally aware of the lawlessness going on in our neighboring countryRead moreEpstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister addedRead moreNATO remains hostile bloc for Russia, continues to expand — MedvedevThe politician stressed that Moscow needed guarantees from NATO that no other states would attack Russia and that all hostile actions against the country would ceaseRead moreWhat to know about Amur Gas Chemical Complex fire that left one deadAccording to reports, 19 people were hospitalizedRead moreRussia wins silver in girls 3-m synchro at 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving ChampionshipsThe 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships is hosted by Rijeka, Croatia, on August 21-28Read moreDeath toll from fire at gas plant in Siberia rises to three, 146 people injuredTwenty four people were hospitalized in the city of Svobodny with injuries of varying severityRead moreResearch directions for North Pole·43 expedition outlinedDirector of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Alexander Makarov noted that the scientific program will primarily include oceanology, geophysics, and atmospheric researchRead moreRussia calls on international bodies to compel Kiev to disclose data on missing clergyMikhail Melekh noted that the Kiev regime systematically and en masse sends clergy to the front, many of whom disappearRead moreBattlegroup North drones destroy Ukrainian Bomber, Vampire hexacopters near SumyThe UAVs have been destroyed by a single UAV crewRead moreSweden wants to expropriate plot belonging to Russian, allegedly over "security threat"Real estate is located near a military base on the island of MuskoRead moreHigh time to change FIDE leadership — Russian chess grandmasterOn Monday, Executive Director of the Russian Chess Federation Alexander Tkachyov said that the FIDE Council had decided to bar Russian players from the 2026 World Chess OlympiadRead moreRussian stocks close in the green on TuesdayThe ruble-denominated MOEX Index gained 2.21% to 2,117.15 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.79% to 789.63 pointsRead moreIsrael expels Netherlands officials from Gaza support center — Foreign MinistryThe Dutch representatives have been instructed to leave Israel within one weekRead moreRussia’s Andreeva/Rublev reach US Open mixed doubles semifinalsThey will face the Czech duo of Karolina Muchova and Jakub MensikRead moreState Duma promises Russia will strip Armenia of all 'gifts' if it pivots to WestAlexey Chepa said it will be impossible for Yerevan to "sit on two stools" simultaneouslyRead moreEuropean leaders cut off their own path to participation in negotiations — legislatorEuropean countries are openly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, granting Kiev permission to produce long-range missiles for attacks on civilians, Leonid Slutsky saidRead moreRussia’s Justice Ministry puts Meta Platform Inc on register of extremist organizationsIn March, Moscow’s Tverskoy district court upheld the Prosecutor General’s Office claim and recognized the activity of Meta Platforms-owned Instagram and Facebook as extremist and banned them in RussiaRead more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Reality sets in for Ukraine’s former defense chief, Russian envoy says

• What happened: Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's Special Presidential Representative, commented on remarks by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fydorov, ...

Russia

Black Hawk goes down in Colorado (VIDEO)

• What happened: A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training flight in Gilpin County, Colorado, with four crew members aboard, but no injuries w...

Russia

Russia’s Andreeva/Rublev reach US Open mixed doubles semifinals

• What happened: Russian duo Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev advanced to the mixed doubles semifinals at the US Open after defeating Diana Shnaider and Casper ...

Russia

‘Heat and shackles’: Russian soldiers freed from terrorist captivity in Mali talk to RT

• What happened: Two Russian soldiers, Aleksandr Efremov and Vasily Nagalev, were freed after over two years in captivity in Mali, where they endured extreme co...

Russia

US not planning new strikes on Iran, may focus on other means of pressure instead — Axios

• What happened: The United States has announced it is not planning new military strikes on Iran and will instead focus on increasing economic pressure through ...

Russia

One civilian killed, eight others injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR during past day

• What happened: Ukraine's armed forces conducted 36 attacks on the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in a single day, resulting in one civilian death a...