From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 30s
Trump demands Kennedy Center recognition or threatens closure
After a judge blocked his name from the building, Trump says the center will close or be demolished without his administration's recognition.
In brief
After a judge blocked his name from the building, Trump says the center will close or be demolished without his administration's recognition. Trump is using federal funding and the threat of closure as leverage to force his name onto the Kennedy Center despite a court order blocking it. Originally reported by ABC News.
Judge blocks Trump's name from Kennedy Center
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Kennedy Center's board cannot add a tribute to Trump on the building or site, blocking the administration's naming effort.
Trump threatens closure without recognition
Trump told reporters Wednesday the Kennedy Center will "close" or be "ripped down" if his administration doesn't receive recognition on the performing arts center.
“if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down”
Trump claims center is failing without him
Trump said the Kennedy Center was a "mess" and has "lost tens of millions of dollars, even hundreds of millions of dollars," comparing it to Carnegie Hall.
Board votes to close center for renovations
About an hour after the judge's ruling, Trump's appointee-controlled board voted to immediately close the Kennedy Center for renovations, citing safety concerns from fallen plaster.
Congress approved 257 million for renovation
Congress appropriated 257 million dollars last year for the Kennedy Center's renovation, funding Trump is now withholding unless the building bears his name.
Democrat accuses Trump of contempt of court
Rep. Joyce Beatty said Trump is in contempt of court for trying to close the Kennedy Center after losing the naming battle, calling his actions a "tantrum."
“He is in contempt of court for what he is doing now”
The bottom line
Trump is using federal funding and the threat of closure as leverage to force his name onto the Kennedy Center despite a court order blocking it.
