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Trump administration says it might demolish the Kennedy Center if court blocks renovations
Justice Department attorneys say the center is unsafe and could be taken down if a court blocks a two-year shutdown for repairs.
- Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers warned in a court filing on Monday that the Kennedy Center is "structurally unsound, fundamentally unsafe, and embarrassing to the Nation's Capital" and could face demolition if not permitted to close for two years for renovations.
- The filing frames the two-year closure as essential for critical repairs including stage lifts, rigging, and electrical upgrades, contrasting with Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca's recent focus on specific maintenance tasks rather than total facility shutdown.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, is challenging the Board's closure decision as rushed and lacking adequate information, while the DOJ defended the administration's planning commitment and President Trump's "unrivaled expertise and experience in real estate and construction."
- Beatty is also contesting the Trump-appointed Board's renewed effort to add Trump's name to the building this month, after a prior court ruling compelled removal of the president's name from the structure.
- A hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon will address both the contested closure and the Board's renaming efforts, with legal disputes intensifying over the facility's future and renovation timeline.
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6 Articles
Trump administration threatens to demolish Kennedy Center if renovations aren’t allowed
The Kennedy Center may need to be demolished and replaced with an open-air performance space if its current building cannot undergo extensive renovations, lawyers for the venue said in court papers on Monday.
·Atlanta, United States
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Trump administration says it might demolish the Kennedy Center if court blocks renovations
The Trump administration is, for the first time, threatening the demolition of the Kennedy Center if the arts institution isn’t allowed to close for two years for renovations.
·New York, United States
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Trump administration suggests Kennedy Center could be demolished if court blocks planned renovations
A tarp remains in place on the facade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Aug. 25, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) (WASHINGTON) — The Justice Department suggested in a court
Coverage Details
Total News Sources6
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 40%
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