Trump threatens to demolish Kennedy Center if $250m renovation not done
US president’s lawyers in court filing say Washington arts complex must undergo repairs or risk demolition
TL;DR
- The Trump administration is threatening to demolish the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts if it doesn't receive $250m in renovations.
- The warning was issued in a court filing as part of a legal battle over naming rights for the center.
- Critics have accused President Trump of a pattern of destruction in Washington, citing other projects.
- A federal judge previously ruled that only Congress can change the Kennedy Center's name.
- The center's board, with Trump appointees, voted to add Trump's name to signage and grounds, which is being contested.
- Activist groups have condemned the threat, vowing to protect the memorial to John F Kennedy.