The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. was besieged after a board vote aligned with Trump to close more of the center. This vote followed a federal judge's decision to block Donald Trump's return to the building.
Closure of the Center and Safety Measures
Trump announced in a social media post that the closure of the center for repairs is essential for safety. He added that the repairs, for which Congress allocated $257 million, will only proceed with the board's permission to advance plans to add his name to the building.
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Opponents of the closure announced that starting Wednesday, there is no vehicle or pedestrian access to the building. A reporter who approached the building was informed by a guard that the center is closed.
Democratic Representative's Request for Judicial Intervention
Joyce Beatty, a Democratic representative from Ohio and a member of the Kennedy Center board, called for an emergency court session on Wednesday, labeling the closure as "illegal." Beatty, who has made efforts to prevent Trump's name from being added to the building, had a verbal confrontation with Trump during a virtual board meeting.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered that the Kennedy Center must respond to Beatty's request by Thursday morning and stated that an emergency session would be held if necessary.
Trump, who was appointed as the chair of the Kennedy Center last year, announced on Tuesday that he has donated $17 million to a foundation to support this institution.
Beatty also reported that one of her legal team members was barred from entering the building on Wednesday, and guards indicated that the building is temporarily closed.
Laura Bligh, one of the protesters, expressed concern that some or all of the building might be destroyed before the legal case is resolved. She said, "The worst-case scenario is the destruction of the building."
The Kennedy Center had voted last August to add Trump's name to the building's facade, but this decision was recently rejected by a judge.
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not respond to requests for comment but indicated on social media that the building is closed for safety reasons.
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Source: abcnews.com
