Eight preservation and architecture associations filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking to halt the Trump administration’s Kennedy Center renovation project, citing violations of historic preservation laws.
The complaint alleges the White House violated preservation requirements by repainting exterior columns white and adding Trump’s name to the facade without approval. The coalition seeks a preliminary injunction to stop any destruction or redesign until the administration complies with federal historic preservation standards and obtains congressional authorization for the two-year closure.
The lawsuit introduces an innovative “anticipatory demolition” legal theory previously unused against the Trump administration’s historic site decisions.
The abrupt announcement last month to close the venue starting July 4 disrupted performing arts programming and sparked concerns about the building’s fate. Trump’s comment that he’s “not ripping it down” but will “use the steel” amplified speculation about demolition.
The Kennedy Center is eligible for National Register listing, and Trump estimates the $200 million project will fundamentally alter the national cultural monument.
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