Outdoor Ice Rink at Trump-Kennedy Center Gets Vandalized With a Toxic Chemical Substance

An outdoor ice rink installed at the Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was vandalized Friday morning after a toxic chemical substance was poured across a large portion of its surface, according to center officials.

Leadership described the act as a “targeted” attack that caused severe damage to the rink and forced the cancellation of a scheduled performance that evening. The temporary rink had been constructed on the center’s plaza as part of winter programming.

Images released by the venue show a dark brown material spread across the ice, along with what appears to be a black gallon-sized plastic container left behind at the scene. Officials said the substance was toxic but did not publicly identify its chemical composition.

Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the center, said the damage required the immediate cancellation of a Friday night performance by Le Patin Libre, a Montreal-based artistic skating company that had installed the rink for a series of shows.

“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,” Daravi said in a statement. “We are working feverishly to complete repairs so programming can resume tomorrow.”

The U.S. Park Police are leading the investigation. Center officials confirmed they have turned over surveillance footage to authorities. As of now, no suspects have been identified and no motive has been publicly disclosed.

The venue’s president, Richard Grenell, blamed the incident on what he described as rising political hostility surrounding the center since its board agreed in December to rename the institution in honor of President Donald Trump.

“This is so sad and unnecessary,” Grenell wrote on social media, claiming the center has faced harassment and pressure campaigns in recent months. He alleged that critics have urged artists to cancel appearances and said the vandalism reflects escalating tensions.

The center has been the subject of political controversy since the renaming announcement. It was originally known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, having opened in 1971 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, according to Trending Politics.

Opponents of the name change have organized public criticism and campaigns targeting scheduled performers. In one high-profile case, the Washington National Opera relocated its spring season, canceling multiple performances.

Officials emphasized that Friday’s incident was not part of an organized protest but rather an act of vandalism. Authorities have not confirmed whether the act was politically motivated.

The center is also preparing for a major renovation expected to close the facility for up to two years following national anniversary celebrations later this summer.