Judge Orders 30-Day Notice Before Kennedy Center Demolition

U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered the Trump administration to provide 30 days' notice before implementing any significant physical changes or proceeding with plans to demolish the Kennedy Center. The ruling follows a lawsuit by Democratic U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty, who seeks to keep the landmark open and remove the president's name from the building. Judge Cooper also ruled that memorials for the president cannot be installed without congressional approval, upholding a previous decision prohibiting the addition of the president's name to the exterior.

President Donald Trump, who serves as chairman of the center, has warned the facility could be "ripped down" if his administration does not receive recognition. He has characterized the building as being in a "very dangerous shape," citing falling steel and plaster. While the administration argues that closures are necessary for restoration, Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca stated in a court filing that a current seven-day emergency closure is intended only to evaluate safety risks caused by deterioration.

In response to these threats, hundreds of activists organized by the group Hands Off the Arts formed a human chain around the Washington, D.C. venue on September 18. The protesters demanded the removal of the president as chairman and opposed his attempted takeover of the presidential memorial.