Trump’s Kennedy Center Shutdown Is ‘Unlawful,’ Democratic Board Member Says

Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty has accused the Kennedy Center of unlawfully shutting down its main building, claiming the institution violated a federal injunction. The Ohio Democrat requested an emergency hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, demanding a senior Kennedy Center official's presence. Cooper issued a preliminary injunction on May 29 that prevented the board from implementing its shutdown plans until they approved a closure aligned with his ruling.

Beatty's attorneys argue that the center may be breaching the "clear and unambiguous order of the Court."

The board voted to close the center's main building due to infrastructure failures and safety concerns. However, Cooper's ruling remains in effect. Beatty's legal team claims that the government's explanation of a fire alarm triggering the closure announcement is incorrect. Beatty arrived at the Kennedy Center around 10 a.m. on Wednesday and found the doors locked, with a security guard telling her the building was closed.

Another security employee noted that the order to lock the doors came from "higher-ups" but was unsure about when the center would reopen.

Upon returning later, Beatty's legal representative observed black metal gates surrounding the building, blocking staircases and main walkways. Forklifts were seen delivering additional barriers, and traffic cones obstructed the drop-off area. One forklift reportedly struck the building's pillars multiple times. A Kennedy Center security employee attributed the fencing to construction and public safety concerns, while another stated that staff could not enter without hard hats but was unsure if construction had begun that day.

Beatty's lawyers acknowledged that Cooper's order allows for renovations and repairs without closing the building. However, they warned that officials could make public access impossible and attempt to evade the injunction through a "fait accompli." The filing came after Cooper blocked the board from adding President Donald Trump's name to the building's facade or naming the center's grounds after him.

The defendants appealed that ruling on Tuesday. The Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to TheWrap's request for comment.