A federal judge has mandated that the Trump administration must provide at least 30 days’ advance notice before pursuing demolition of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The ruling came after lawyers for Democratic congresswoman Joyce Beatty raised concerns about the building’s future following remarks by President Trump regarding the facility’s condition.
Trump stated that his administration merited recognition for renovation efforts at the Kennedy Center and suggested the building could face closure or demolition without such work. He characterized the structure as being in poor condition, saying “steel falling down” and “plaster falling off ceilings” created safety hazards. The administration has argued that substantial government subsidies would be required to keep the institution operational.
The Kennedy Center, established by Congress as a memorial to President John F Kennedy and opened in 1971, closed earlier this week following reported structural deterioration. The board voted to undertake a $257 million renovation project lasting up to two years. The executive director cited acute public safety risks from continued structural deterioration, including a partial ceiling collapse and roof terrace concerns.
Beatty has contested Trump’s takeover of the institution and his attempts to add his name to the building. Her legal team argued that the temporary closure could become permanent, potentially violating earlier court orders. Court filings included an image showing Trump aboard Air Force One near a placard bearing text about the Kennedy Center, though the photograph does not definitively establish demolition plans. Federal Judge Christopher Cooper rejected an emergency hearing request but imposed the 30-day notice requirement for any demolition steps.
Cooper previously ruled that the Kennedy Center cannot add Trump’s name to its exterior without congressional approval, leading to removal of Trump signage that the board had installed. The administration is expected to seek removal of that earlier court order to proceed with renovation work. Criticism has come from multiple Democratic officials and cultural figures, with some characterizing Trump’s efforts as vanity projects and questioning the closure’s necessity.
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