The Trump administration has told a federal court that it could pursue demolishing the Kennedy Centre in Washington if a judge rules that the venue cannot close for a two-year renovation. In court papers filed on Monday, Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers referred to the building as “decrepit” and argued that repairs led by the administration are needed to prevent further deterioration. Court Filing Raises Demolition ProspectMayers said that, without renovations, the centre would keep degrading into what he described as an unsafe, decrepit structure, which would then need to be taken down. He added that a later decision would be required on what to build at the site, citing an outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the Potomac River as one possibility. He also argued that recognising President Donald Trump for updating the venue is integral to keeping the project funded and staffed. In the filing, Mayers said that if Trump did not receive recognition, donors would leave, contributions would dry up, and structural rehabilitation would stop. “The Trump Administration is ready to go but, without it, the Kennedy Center cannot be saved,” Mayers said, according to the documents. Naming Dispute Underpins LawsuitThe administration’s position aligns with the federal government’s response to a lawsuit brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio and an ex officio member of the Kennedy Centre board. Beatty’s case challenges the legality of adding Trump’s name to the building without explicit permission from Congress. She also said the overhaul plan for a two-year closure was not clearly presented to the board. Beatty’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the administration’s demolition threat. Previous Ruling And Inscription DecisionEarlier this year, a judge ruled that the president’s name could not legally be added to the Kennedy Centre and ordered related signage to be removed. Instead of taking down the lettering, it was covered with a tarp. Following that, the board—described in the case as largely appointed by Trump—voted to add an inscription beneath the Kennedy Centre’s name reading: “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump.” The latest filing underscores that the administration is seeking to tie the renovation timeline to court acceptance of its approach, including the prospect of Trump recognition, while Beatty’s lawsuit argues those steps were unlawful. The next court hearing on the Kennedy Centre’s future is scheduled for Thursday. Join the discussion? 26 August 2026
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