Kennedy Center and Historic Preservation

Eight architecture and preservation groups — including the American Institute of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects, Committee of 100 on the Federal City, DC Preservation League, Docomomo US and the National Trust for Historic Preservation — sued Donald Trump and the Kennedy Center board seeking to block major renovations they say would violate federal historic‑preservation and environmental laws and to force compliance and congressional approval before proceeding. The suit, which distinguishes routine maintenance from substantial changes, says proposed alterations could be so dramatic they would expose the building’s supporting steel, criticizes Trump’s reconstituted, rebranded board, notes that architectural plans and consultant identities have not been disclosed, and comes amid White House statements defending the project as making the “Trump‑Kennedy Center” the finest performing‑arts facility and a broader arts‑community backlash.