A United States federal judge has mandated that the Kennedy Center provide 30 days’ advance notice before undertaking any major structural alterations or demolition. The ruling follows recent comments by President Donald Trump, who suggested the iconic Washington performing arts venue could be “ripped down” if restoration efforts do not proceed as planned.
US District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the order on Thursday, stating that the requirement would “avoid any confusion” surrounding the center’s sudden temporary closure earlier this week.
The Kennedy Center shuttered its doors on Wednesday for a minimum of seven days to evaluate what executive director Matt Floca described as “acute risks to public safety” stemming from structural deterioration. Officials cited a partial ceiling collapse that occurred earlier in the month and ongoing issues with the building’s roof terrace canopy.
This temporary shutdown followed a board vote the previous day to close the facility for an extended renovation period. The board, aligned with Trump, has argued that the building, which opened in 1971, is in significant disrepair.
On Wednesday, Trump stated that his administration’s initiatives to restore the center deserved recognition. He warned that without these efforts, “it’s going to close. It’ll end up being ripped down”.
The judge’s directive came after a request from Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board who has opposed Trump’s attempts to overhaul the institution. While Judge Cooper denied Beatty’s request for an emergency hearing, he imposed the 30-day notice requirement for any major physical changes.
Legal tensions between the two sides have intensified following a photograph taken by AFP on Wednesday, which showed Trump aboard Air Force One examining a placard depicting the Kennedy Center being demolished. The image, featuring the words “Kennedy Center DEMOLIS…” above heavy machinery clearing rubble, was viewed millions of times on social media and has since been included in Beatty’s court filing.
This development adds to the ongoing legal dispute, which also includes previous rulings by Judge Cooper blocking efforts to add Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center without congressional approval.
That photo on Air Force One was definitely staged to send a message. Very unsettling.
Is the building actually unsafe, or is this just another tactic to force a controversial renovation?
Glad someone is keeping them in check. Demolishing a historic landmark because of a political feud is absurd.