The Kennedy Center shut its doors to the public on Tuesday following a federal judge's scrutiny of its safety measures. Lawyers for the institution told a judge that a temporary closure was urgently needed to protect the public after a five-foot section of plaster fell from the ceiling during a recent storm. This action sparked a legal dispute, as Democratic lawmaker Representative Joyce Beatty accused the center of violating a judicial order blocking a $257 million renovation project championed by President Trump. The Justice Department pushed back against a request for an emergency hearing from Beatty's lawyers, arguing the closure was necessary to prevent risks to the public and staff. Judge Christopher R. Cooper was expected to decide soon on granting an emergency hearing regarding the center's closure.

The closure follows months of legal and political turmoil involving the Trump administration. President Trump has advocated for the center's immediate closure and raged over a court decision blocking his name from being affixed to the building. On social media, Trump threatened to cancel the renovation if appeals courts did not restore his name. He told reporters the administration deserved credit for rescuing the center from physical and financial turmoil, suggesting it could be demolished if not renovated. Lawyers for Beatty filed a photo with the judge showing Trump reviewing a rendering of the center being demolished, asking the court to clarify if the closure order also prohibits demolition. Executive Director Matt Floca stated the closure would last seven days to evaluate structural steel corroded by water infiltration and outdated stage equipment, emphasizing the move was about safeguarding the building, not demolition.