U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the Trump administration to give the court 30 days' notice before carrying out any major changes — including demolition — related to the Kennedy Center's renovation plans. The administration must also file an update by next Wednesday on the center's temporary closure and emergency repairs. The directive follows images and comments by former President Trump suggesting the building could be "ripped down," and it comes amid calls from preservation groups for leadership changes or a court-appointed receiver to protect the landmark. Congress had previously allocated $257 million for renovations.
Judge Orders 30 Days' Notice Before Any Kennedy Center Demolition After Trump's 'Ripped Down' Comment
Donald Trump sits at a desk with clasped hands, looking serious, with American and presidential flags behind him. (Credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com)
A federal judge has directed the Trump administration to provide 30 days' advance notice to the court before taking any major actions — explicitly including demolition — related to renovation plans for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the order after reviewing filings and testimony about the center's condition and the administration's planned work. The judge also required the administration to file an update by next Wednesday on the status of the Kennedy Center's reported "temporary closure" and any emergency repairs being undertaken.
Court Directions and Timeline
Judge Cooper instructed the administration to notify the court in advance of proposed changes to the renovation program and specifically listed "demolition" among the actions that require prior notice. The judge demanded an update on whether the center's closure — described by Executive Director Matt Floca as temporary — remains in effect; Floca told the court the closure is expected to last seven days before being reassessed weekly.
The court also denied a separate emergency hearing request from Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), citing the administration's recent statements and the judge's requirements for notice and reporting.
Background And Reactions
The court action followed circulation of photos showing former President Donald Trump holding a placard on Air Force One that appeared to reference the Kennedy Center being "DEMOLISHED." The origin and full contents of the placard were not clear. This came after Trump said the center could "close" or be "ripped down" if his administration did not receive recognition at the performing-arts complex.
Trump Said: "[The Kennedy Center] could be closed or ripped down" — comments that intensified scrutiny and prompted legal and preservation responses.
White House spokesperson Liz Huston blamed previous Democratic stewardship for years of deterioration, citing "water damage and crumbling infrastructure." Congress has previously appropriated $257 million for renovations to the Kennedy Center.
Preservation Groups Seek Stronger Oversight
Eight architectural and preservation organizations that are suing over renovation plans have urged the Kennedy Center's leadership to resign or asked the court to appoint a receiver to protect the landmark. The groups warned of the potential for "irrevocable loss" of the building through "intent, neglect or mismanagement." Their attorney, Greg Werkheiser, said they will "likely soon" seek receivership if current leadership cannot or will not safeguard the historic building and grounds.
The judge's notice requirement gives preservationists and the court additional time to review any proposed major changes, while the upcoming status update will clarify whether temporary closures and emergency repairs are being handled appropriately.
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