Applaud Judge Limiting Trump’s Kennedy Center Actions

A federal judge has ordered the Kennedy Center to provide more than 30 days’ notice before making major physical changes to the building, including any plan to demolish its main structure.

The order comes amid an ongoing legal dispute over the future of the performing arts center. President Donald Trump recently suggested that the aging building could ultimately be “ripped down,” while the Kennedy Center abruptly closed to the public this week. Center officials said the temporary closure was prompted by safety concerns related to structural deterioration.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the order after Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio Kennedy Center board member, sought an emergency hearing over the closure. Cooper declined to hold that hearing but clarified that the Kennedy Center must give written notice to the plaintiffs before implementing changes to the renovation plans previously presented to the court.

The requirement specifically covers any potential demolition of the main building, giving the plaintiffs advance notice before such a major change could move forward. Cooper also ordered Kennedy Center officials to submit a detailed report about the temporary closure and emergency repairs.

The order follows Cooper’s separate ruling earlier this week blocking proposals to add Trump’s name to the building and rename the surrounding plaza without congressional authorization.

Add your name to applaud the court for requiring advance notice before any major physical changes, including demolition, can be made to the Kennedy Center.

(Photo source: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)