The Trump administration has stated its intention to demolish the Kennedy Center if plans to close it for a two-year renovation, pushed by President Trump and the center’s board of trustees, are blocked by a federal judge. The Justice Department’s court filing described the center’s conditions as “dangerously dilapidated” and “decrepit,” contributing to financial losses that risk its structural integrity.

The Justice Department emphasized that without renovations, the center might further deteriorate. They suggested an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Potomac River as an alternative for the site. Currently, there are no official plans to demolish the almost 55-year-old performing arts center, but the filing has intensified a legal battle that Trump and his board seek to resolve. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, a board member who filed a lawsuit, criticized the filing as a “not-so-subtle threat” to demolish the center if Trump did not succeed.

Earlier this month, the Kennedy Center’s board voted to close it and add Trump’s name to the facade. This marks their second attempt at implementing substantial changes. In May, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper barred the closure and ordered Trump’s name removal from the building, siding with Beatty.

The board had previously attempted to rename the center as the Trump-Kennedy Center. Cooper ruled that the board was “derelict in discharging its responsibilities” by attempting closure.

In August, the board attempted closure again, deciding to add “Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump” to the institution’s formal name and to rename the physical site “President Donald J. Trump Plaza.” Cooper allowed the closure given the adherence to legal requirements.

Recently, the Trump administration announced a pause on planned changes until Sept. 8. Beatty’s lawyers continued to oppose adding Trump’s name to the building, arguing it is Congress’s role to change the center’s name.

They described attempts to restore Trump’s name as “a transparent effort to rename the Center.” Cooper is scheduled to hear arguments from Beatty’s legal representatives soon.

The Justice Department defended the board of trustees, labeling their resolution as “completely lawful.” They accused Beatty of opposing any recognition of Trump’s contributions. “Even Beatty should prefer a healthy, restored Center,” they stated, urging the court to allow improvements that would honor President Kennedy’s legacy.