A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Kennedy Center to give 30 days' notice before any major physical changes to the building, including demolition, as 
Donald Trump warned the venue could be "ripped down." The order came after Trump was photographed aboard Air Force One looking at a placard that, the BBC reported, appeared to read "Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED."
What did the judge order? U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper granted a request from Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat and ex-officio board member, to make "crystal clear" that his order prohibits demolition without 30 days' notice, PBS NewsHour reported. He denied her lawyers' request for a hearing on the board's actions and intent. Cooper also ordered a detailed report on the "temporary closure" for emergency repairs and written notice of any change to the project's scope, the BBC reported.
Why is the building closed? Executive director Matt Floca said in a document filed to court that the main building would stay closed for at least seven days, "unless extended," to repair safety hazards. The temporary closure, which PBS NewsHour reported occurred without notice on Wednesday, is separate from the board's Tuesday vote to close the center indefinitely for repairs, Floca and other officials said. Floca cited "acute risks to public safety resulting from continued structural deterioration," saying the closure was based on an inspection of the roof terrace canopy and a partial ceiling collapse earlier this month.
What has the president said? Trump said on Wednesday that his efforts to restore the aging building deserve recognition, "because frankly, if we don't do that, it's going to close." Congress has allocated $257 million for the repairs, but Trump said they would only happen if the board could move ahead with plans to add his name, PBS NewsHour reported. The board, which he chairs, voted on Tuesday to close the center after Cooper ruled that the naming plans could not proceed "without Congress's blessing."
How have others reacted? Barbra Streisand, a 2008 Kennedy Center honoree, called the controversy "galling and painful to witness," decrying "such a bitter struggle over one man's name and unchecked ego." The family of President John F Kennedy, The Hill reported, condemned Trump over the Kennedy Center, saying "How small minded, how narcissistic."
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
