Here's a sentence you don't read every day: a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to give 30 days' notice before it demolishes the Kennedy Center. Not before it renovates it, not before it repaints it. Before it possibly tears the place down.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper directed the administration to notify the court before making changes to the Kennedy Center's renovation plans, explicitly including any "demolition" of the main building, ABC News reported. Cooper also ordered the administration to provide an update by next Wednesday on the center's "temporary closure" and emergency repairs.
The order came after Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca told the court that the building's current closure is temporary, lasting seven days before being reassessed weekly. The judge also rejected an emergency hearing request from Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), citing the administration's latest announcement.
Trump Raises Prospect of Kennedy Center Being Ripped Down
The court action followed images showing Trump looking at a placard aboard Air Force One that appeared to reference the Kennedy Center being "DEMOLISHED." The placard's full contents and origin were unclear.
Trump had said Wednesday that the center could "close" or be "ripped down" if his administration does not receive recognition at the performing arts complex. The administration has argued that the center has suffered from years of deterioration. White House spokesperson Liz Huston said Democrats had allowed "water damage and crumbling infrastructure" to leave the building in decline. Congress previously appropriated $257 million for renovations.
Preservation Groups Seek Kennedy Center Receivership
The dispute has also prompted eight architectural and preservation organizations suing over the center to call for its leadership to resign or for a court-appointed receiver to take control, The Hill reported.
"If the current leadership of the Kennedy Center is unwilling or unable to exercise its fiduciary duty to protect the historic building and the grounds," the groups said, the court should consider replacing the leadership.
The organizations warned that the "irrevocable loss" of the iconic building could become increasingly possible through "intent, neglect or mismanagement." Their attorney, Greg Werkheiser, said the groups will "likely soon" seek receivership.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by MarketDash editors.
