Trump suggests demolition

President Trump said Wednesday night that the Kennedy Center could be 'ripped down' if his administration does not receive recognition for raising money for its restoration.

“if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down.”

Photo shows demolished document

On Air Force One Wednesday night, Trump was photographed looking at a document that said 'Kennedy Center Demolished' as he returned from a rally in North Carolina.

Judge orders thirty days' notice

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to give thirty days' notice before any demolition occurs at the Kennedy Center.

Center closed for safety repairs

The Kennedy Center's executive director Matt Floca said acute risks to public safety from structural deterioration necessitated a temporary closure of most public spaces in the main building.

Justice Department sets one week

The Justice Department said in court documents that the closure duration will be one week, unless extended to address safety hazards. Judge Cooper required a detailed report by next Wednesday.

Beatty warns of pretext

Rep. Joyce Beatty, a board member who sued to halt Trump's changes, argued the unexplained closure could enable demolition to make public access impossible and evade the court's order.

Judge denies emergency hearing

Judge Cooper denied Beatty's request for an emergency hearing on the closure. The board previously voted to close the center for renovations after Cooper ruled Trump's name cannot be added to the building.