Eight prominent preservation and architectural organizations, plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit against the Kennedy Center, on Thursday demanded that the performing arts center's leadership either resign or submit to a court-appointed receiver. The groups argue that the current board is failing its fiduciary duty to protect the historic facility and its grounds.
In a statement released through attorney Greg Werkheiser, the coalition warned that "the irrevocable loss of this iconic building — whether by intent, neglect or mismanagement — appears increasingly possible." They added that the court has invited them to request additional relief if new facts warrant judicial intervention, and "we are on the verge of such a moment."
The plaintiffs include the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the DC Preservation League, Docomomo US, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Society of Architectural Historians, and the Cultural Landscape Foundation.
Werkheiser, whose firm Cultural Heritage Partners is among three representing the coalition, told reporters that they will "likely soon" file for receivership. He stressed that the groups felt obligated to make one final public appeal to trustees to focus on their legal duties before pursuing that step.
The demand comes amid escalating turmoil over the Kennedy Center's leadership and operations. The board, now dominated by Trump appointees, voted to close the main building, citing the president as its only hope for renovation. That decision has sparked sharp criticism from Democrats, and a separate lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio board member, challenges the administration's actions.
Werkheiser said the plaintiffs are "paying close attention" to photos shared in Beatty's court filing, which show President Trump aboard Air Force One holding a placard reading "Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED." However, he cautioned that they must verify such evidence before forming a strong opinion. "My mom didn't raise the smartest person, but I know, always, that we have to wait for verification of those things before we can really express any strong opinion," he said.
The legal battle has also touched on the Trump name addition to the center, which a judge has temporarily blocked. The preservation groups argue that the current leadership's actions, including the closure and potential demolition, threaten the architectural integrity of the building designed by Edward Durell Stone.
In their statement, the plaintiffs noted that the court has given them room to raise additional requests for relief. "If the current leadership of the Kennedy Center is unwilling or unable to exercise its fiduciary duty to protect the historic building and the grounds of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the court should consider appointing a receiver or replacing that leadership," they said.
The move intensifies pressure on the board, which has faced criticism from the Kennedy family and others. The preservationists' call for receivership is a significant escalation, signaling that they believe the situation may soon require judicial intervention to prevent irreparable harm.
