Trump Administration Threatens Kennedy Center Demolition

The Trump administration has threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if planned renovations for the performing arts venue are not allowed to be carried out, according to court documents. This move comes after a US judge ruled that the president’s name had been added to the venue unlawfully, as it cannot be renamed without congressional approval. The judge ordered that the name be removed, and so it was taken down in June.

The threat to demolish the building comes just weeks after the Kennedy Center board voted to add Trump’s name back to the facade of the venue and to proceed with a two-year closure for proposed renovations. Many of the board members who voted are Trump allies who were appointed by the president. The case stemmed from a broader legal dispute over the renaming of the cultural institution, which US law designates as a memorial to President John F Kennedy.

• The Trump administration has threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if renovations are blocked.
• The Kennedy Center board voted to add Trump’s name back to the facade and proceed with renovations.
• A US judge ruled that the president’s name had been added to the venue unlawfully.
• The judge ordered that the name be removed, and so it was taken down in June.

Kennedy Center Renovation Dispute

Attorneys from the justice department have also asked for President Donald Trump’s name to be put back on the building.