Judge Orders 30-Day Notice for Kennedy Center Demolition

A federal judge on Thursday rejected Rep. Joyce Beatty’s request for an emergency hearing over a decision by the Kennedy Center board to close the performing arts complex for renovations.

Emergency Hearing Request Rejected

US District Judge Christopher Cooper said, however, that the government must give at least 30 days’ notice if it plans to demolish the performing arts centre in Washington, DC.

Cooper said the requirement was intended to “avoid any confusion on that score given more recent events”.

Trump Administration Backs Renovations

The Trump administration has described the Kennedy Center as deteriorating and said renovations are necessary to address repairs and infrastructure problems.

President Donald Trump has also publicly suggested that the building could be demolished if courts prevent him from adding his name to its facade.

Trump was seen aboard Air Force One on Wednesday night looking at a placard that appeared to show a possible demolition of the centre.

Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio and an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board, sought the emergency hearing after Trump’s handpicked board voted on Tuesday for a second time to close the centre for renovations.

Beatty Condemns Closure

“It is simply outrageous that we have gotten to the point of consistent judicial intervention to protect this historic institution from getting bulldozed by the President,” Beatty said in a statement.

She added that she would continue to “fight for the rule of law” and defend the Kennedy Center on behalf of the American people.

Cooper, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, previously blocked an earlier board vote. The board has since moved forward with another attempt to proceed with the closure and renovation plans.

Beatty’s lawyers raised particular concerns after encountering problems accessing the building earlier this week.

The Trump administration has said those restrictions are temporary and unrelated to the longer-term renovation programme. The current closure is scheduled to last one week, although officials have cautioned that it could be extended.

White House Defends Trump’s Role

White House spokesperson Liz Huston defended the administration's position, blaming Democrats for what she described as years of neglect.

“For years, Democrats let the Kennedy Center rot, allowing water damage and crumbling infrastructure to turn a national treasure into a building in decay,” Huston said.

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18 September 2026