A federal judge has mandated that the Trump administration must provide a 30-day notice to the court before implementing any changes to the Kennedy Center's existing construction plans, including any proposals for demolition. The order, issued by Judge Charles Cooper, largely reiterates previous injunctions that prevent the administration from closing or altering the building.
This ruling comes amidst efforts by officials to close and potentially dismantle the presidential memorial and performing arts center. These actions were prompted after a court ruled that President Donald Trump's name could not be added to the building's facade.
President Trump had previously suggested to reporters that the building could be "ripped down" if his name was not incorporated in some manner. A photograph circulated on social media appears to show Trump aboard Air Force One examining a document that reads "Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED."
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), a plaintiff and trustee of the Kennedy Center, has been leading the legal challenge against the administration's actions. Beatty's legal team filed a petition arguing that the Kennedy Center board's decision to close the facility for up to two years for a $257 million renovation was a "plain pretext to justify shutting down the Center permanently."
In response to the announcement of the closure, Beatty requested an emergency court hearing. Following the emergence of the photograph, an additional filing was submitted, asking the judge to make it "crystal clear" that his prior order prohibits the demolition of the structure.
Attorneys for Beatty stated in their court filing that the facts presented are "deeply concerning" and that the board's action is an attempt to permanently close the center. Judge Cooper's Thursday order also authorized discovery for Beatty into the photograph Trump was seen reviewing.
Matt Floca, the Kennedy Center's executive director and chief operating officer, asserted in a separate court filing that the temporary closure was necessary due to "acute risks to public safety resulting from continued structural deterioration" of the aging building. The center, established by Congress and opened in 1971, is currently not accessible to the public during its normal operating hours.