Remarks in an Exchange With Reporters Following a Tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The President's Impressions of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The President. Hello, everybody.

Q. How does it look, Mr. President?

The President. Well, it needs a lot of work, but we'll be—we're going to make it great, just like we're going to make the country great and DC great. And this is a big part of DC.

I hear the acoustics are fantastic in the center, so that's a big thing. They usually aren't in places. So that's good.

I'll you what, Ric, why don't you stand back there. [Inaudible]—asked me to do.

All right. If you—if you're ready, go ahead.

Expected Changes to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Q. What other changes are you looking to make to the Kennedy Center?

The President. We're going to make a lot of changes, including the seats, the décor, pretty much everything. It needs a lot of work.

Vice President James D. "J.D." Vance

Q. Mr. President, were you surprised by the reaction that the Vice President got here at the Kennedy Center the other evening?

The President. I don't know about that. He's the most popular Vice President we've had in years. He's doing a great job—I don't know anything about it.

I figured you'd ask a question like that.

Renovation of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Q. Mr. President, what are we talking about price-wise to renovate, to bring it up to, you know, your desire?

The President. Well, we're looking at that, whatever it is. I think, you know, it's such an important part of the fabric of the country and of DC. So we're looking—we want to do it right. We'll do it right, and we'll do it once.

Q. President Trump, would you consider——

Q. What kind of artist are you looking to pick to be honorees?

The President. Do you want a little picture like this?

[At this point, the President held his arms out.]

Q. Perfect.

The President. Go ahead. Are you guys ready? Come on.

Q. We're good, sir.

Q. Sir, if you want to speak to us later, too, when we're closer, that would be great.

White House aide. Okay. Thank you, press. Right this way.

Q. Thank you.

The President. How is that, Doug [Doug Mills, New York Times]?

Q. Thank you, sir.

Q. Mr. President, are you open to inviting Putin to the White House if a peace deal is reached?

The President. Thank you, everybody.