A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to give at least 30 days’ notice before any demolition or major change to the Kennedy Center.
US District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the order on Thursday after concerns were raised over plans to close the Washington DC performing arts venue for an extended period.
The order requires the administration to provide a detailed report on the centre’s temporary closure for emergency repairs and give written notice if the scope of the work changes.
The ruling comes after President Donald Trump said the Kennedy Center could eventually be “ripped down” if it could not secure the funding needed for repairs.
“I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition because, frankly, if we don’t do that, it’s going to close,” Trump told reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday.
“It’ll end up being ripped down.”
Trump made the comments a day after the Kennedy Center board voted for the third time since February to close the venue for two years for renovations.
The board is chaired by Trump and includes members of his administration and other allies.
Trump has argued that the building is in poor condition and needs major repairs. He has also said putting his name on the building could help attract funding for the work.
The latest court order followed a request from Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board.
Beatty asked Cooper to make clear that his earlier orders prevented the structure from being demolished without proper legal notice.
The issue gained further attention after Trump was photographed aboard Air Force One looking at a placard that appeared to read: “Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED.”
The Kennedy Center’s executive director, Matt Floca, told the court that the current temporary closure was intended to address safety hazards and was expected to last seven days unless extended.
The proposed two-year closure is separate from that temporary shutdown.
Cooper previously ordered Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center. The dispute centres on whether the president and the board can make changes to an institution established by Congress without congressional approval.
The Kennedy Center was created as a memorial to former President John F Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.
Beatty has previously sued over changes to the institution and Trump’s name being added to the building.
Critics of the administration argue that congressional approval would be required for major changes to the centre and have questioned the extent of the repairs being proposed.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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