- On September 4, a large section of water-damaged plaster fell from the Grand Foyer ceiling about 60 feet; no one was hurt, but the risk of another incident is unacceptable.
- A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the board from adding a tribute to Trump on the building or site.
- About an hour after the judge's ruling Tuesday, the board, which is controlled by Trump appointees, voted to close the center immediately for renovations, citing safety concerns after a piece of plaster from the ceiling of the grand foyer fell during a heavy rainstorm earlier this month.
- Trump said the center could 'close' or be 'ripped down' if his administration doesn't receive recognition.
- Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca sent an email at 4:44 p.m. announcing a seven-day closure starting September 16 due to life-safety risks, separate from the board's renovation vote.
- The closure is due to life-safety risks from deteriorating infrastructure and storm damage from Sept. 4, not the Board's separate renovation vote.
- The main building is closed for seven days starting September 16 due to concerns with soffit panels, electrical infrastructure, and structural conditions, with weekly evaluations for extension.
- Floca said the decision was separate from the controversial vote by the Kennedy Center Board to close for renovation.
- The Board of Trustees voted to temporarily close for restorations, but that vote is awaiting a Court decision; the current closure is separate.
President Trump threatened that the Kennedy Center could be 'ripped down' if his administration does not receive recognition, following a federal judge's ruling that blocked a tribute to him.35
Trump stated, "I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition. Because frankly, if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down," during a press conference in North Carolina.
The Kennedy Center's board, controlled by Trump appointees, voted to close the center for renovations, citing safety concerns after a piece of plaster fell from the ceiling during a storm. Executive Director Matt Floca emphasized that the closure was due to life-safety risks and not directly related to the board's vote.467810
Floca's email stated, "Effective immediately, beginning today, September 16, we are closing the main building for the next seven days due to safety concerns with our soffit panels, electrical infrastructure, and structural conditions."9
The Kennedy Center received $257 million in funding for renovations last year, but Trump indicated he would withhold funds unless his name was recognized.
Rep. Joyce Beatty criticized Trump, saying he "threw a tantrum because he lost in court" and described a heated debate during the Kennedy Center meeting.
The situation escalated after a storm on September 4 caused plaster to detach from the ceiling, raising concerns about further safety incidents. Floca noted, "Fortunately, no one was hurt, but we cannot afford to risk another serious safety incident."12
“The closure, effective September 16 for seven days, follows a Sept. 4 incident where plaster fell 60 feet from the Grand Foyer ceiling. Rep. Joyce Beatty accused Trump of being 'in contempt of court' for trying to close the center.”
WUSA9
