Kathmandu— The Trump administration warned in a Monday court filing that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., may face demolition if ongoing renovation efforts are halted, citing structural and financial instability. Department of Justice lawyers told a federal judge the venue “cannot survive” without presidential assistance, suggesting an outdoor amphitheater could replace it – though this would “fail to adequately honor” President Kennedy. The warning came as part of the administration’s response to a lawsuit attempting to block the addition of Donald Trump's name to the building's signage.

Venue’s Deteriorating Condition

The DOJ filing detailed that the Kennedy Center is in “terrible trouble” and described it as structurally unsound, fundamentally unsafe, and embarrassing to the Nation’s Capital. Lawyers argued that without renovations, the center would continue to deteriorate into an unsafe structure requiring demolition. Proposed renovations, which include a total replacement of stage lifts and rigging systems, electrical work, and leak prevention, were previously blocked by a judge who deemed an earlier board vote endorsing them “ill-informed and seemingly preordained.”

Political Dispute Over Naming Rights

The administration’s warning about potential demolition is linked to a legal battle over the inscription of Donald Trump's name on the building. US Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat on the Kennedy Center’s board, sued after Trump-appointed members voted to add the phrase “restored and renovated by President Donald J. Trump” beneath existing signage. The board had previously renamed the venue after Trump before a judge ordered his name removed. Norm Eisen, one of Beatty’s attorneys, condemned the administration's threat on social media, promising a legal response.

Alternative Proposal

According to the DOJ filing, if the Kennedy Center is torn down, an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Potomac River could be built in its place. While acknowledging this replacement would not adequately honor President John F. Kennedy, lawyers argued it would be “simpler and more economical.” The revelation marks what the report calls the most extreme action mentioned for the venue since Trump took office in 2025.

The Kennedy Center’s board recently voted to move forward with a two-year closure for renovations despite previous legal challenges, setting the stage for further debate and potential litigation regarding the future of the iconic performing arts center.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.