<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Trump administration must provide a 30-day notice before making any changes to the Kennedy Center's renovation plans or demolishing the building, according to a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper, who was appointed by former President Obama.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a minute order issued on Thursday, Judge Cooper stated that if the Trump administration intends to alter the project plans, it must notify the court and the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit regarding the renovations at least 30 days prior to any implementation. The lawsuit was filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and the DC Preservation League, challenging the administration's plans to add President Donald Trump’s name to the building's facade and to close the center for structural renovations.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The order follows a viral image of President Trump reading a placard that stated “Kennedy Center Demolished.” Trump also mentioned to reporters on Wednesday that the center could “close” and “end up being ripped down” if the administration's recognition is not acknowledged.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Judge Cooper's order specifies that the administration must alert the court of any changes, “including but not limited to any ‘demolition’ of the Center’s main building.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Additionally, Cooper denied Beatty’s request for an emergency hearing regarding the Kennedy Center board of directors’ decision to close the facility for renovations. Instead, he instructed the Kennedy Center to submit a “detailed status report” by September 23 concerning the management’s decision to temporarily close the facility for safety reasons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier on Thursday, Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca informed the court of the decision to temporarily close the main building for seven days starting September 16 to assess safety risks in areas of the building experiencing severe structural deterioration.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The center is required to submit the court-ordered status report by the end of the weeklong closure. Floca indicated that the closure could be “extended” as they will be reevaluating the situation weekly.</p>