According to reports, the Trump-Kennedy Center was the target of a “calculated, malicious attack” after a vandalized outdoor ice rink forced the cancellation of a performance.

A “toxic chemical” was poured onto the rink. Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the Trump-Kennedy Center, stated: “Today, a targeted attack on the Trump Kennedy Center vandalized and destroyed our outdoor arena, causing severe damage that we unfortunately must cancel tonight’s performance, but we are working feverishly to complete repairs so programming can resume tomorrow.”

Daravi added: “We have turned over video footage to the authorities who are investigating this calculated, malicious attack and hold those responsible accountable.”

Trump-Kennedy Center officials reported a brown-black substance was poured across the ice early Friday morning. Images from the scene show the material spread widely across the rink, with what appears to be a gallon-sized milk container visible on the ice. The venue described the substance as “toxic,” though the exact chemical has not yet been publicly identified.

The vandalism forced the cancellation of a scheduled performance at the Trump-Kennedy Center by Montreal-based skating company Le Patin Libre. This incident occurs amid broader transformations at the facility following a leadership overhaul and significant funding secured for long-deferred infrastructure improvements.

In December 2025, the board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the facility “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

Richard Grenell wrote on social media: “Help us find this terrorist suspect who attacked the Trump Kennedy Center. Notice his shoes and his umbrella. Do you know who this is?”

Grenell accused Democrats of urging artists to cancel events and “attacking the Center non-stop,” calling it a “calculated campaign.” He added: “It’s a calculated campaign. And now they have mentally unstable people taking action — and vandalizing the Center.” Grenell warned the venue has received “serious death threats and constant harassment” and urged “Commonsense Democrats” to “speak up before this violence takes a life.”

The center has faced repeated performance cancellations in recent months following President Trump’s decision to oust former leadership and affix his name to the venue’s facade. Earlier this month, Trump announced the facility would close for two years starting July 4 to undergo massive renovations.