Key facts
- A US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to give 30 days' notice before any demolition of the Kennedy Center.
- President Donald Trump has warned the performing arts venue could be "ripped down".
- The order follows Trump being photographed looking at a poster that appeared to tout the demolition of the site.
- US District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered a detailed report on the center's "temporary closure" for emergency repairs.
- Kennedy Center executive director Matt Floca stated the temporary closure was to repair safety hazards and would last seven days.
- The Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted to close the venue for two years.
- Trump stated the board voted "almost unanimously" to close the venue "for safety reasons".
- Trump argued the venue needs repairs and that adding his name would secure renovation funding.
- Congresswoman Joyce Beatty asked the judge to clarify that the order prohibits demolishing the structure.
A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to provide 30 days' notice before any demolition or significant changes are made to the Kennedy Center, as President Donald Trump has warned the performing arts venue could be "ripped down". US District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the order, which also requires a detailed report on the center's "temporary closure" for emergency repairs, expected to last seven days unless extended.
The ruling comes after Trump was photographed aboard Air Force One looking at a poster with a headline that appeared to tout the demolition of the site. Trump has argued the venue is in need of extensive repairs and that adding his name would help secure renovation funding, stating it would otherwise "end up being ripped down".
The Kennedy Center's board of trustees recently voted to close the venue for two years, a decision Trump attributed to "safety reasons" and an "almost unanimous" vote. However, some critics argue that congressional action is required for changes to the building and that the need for renovations is exaggerated. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, an ex officio board member, had specifically asked the judge to make it clear that the order prohibits demolishing the structure.