Trump administration threatens to demolish Kennedy Center if renovations are blocked

The Trump administration has threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if a judge determines that the renowned performing arts center cannot close for a two-year renovation.

In court filings on Monday, Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers repeatedly referred to the Kennedy Center as a "decrepit" structure in dire need of renovations led by the Trump administration.

Mayers said without renovations, the site will "deteriorate further into an unsafe, decrepit structure that will be required to be taken down, with a determination to follow on what to build on the site, such as a large outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Potomac River that has been proposed, by some, for many years."

He also argued that if President Trump is not given recognition for updating the center, it would cause "donors to flee, financial contributions to dry up, and structural rehabilitation to stop."

"There will simply not be the expertise or funding necessary to rebuild and renovate this decimated structure. The Trump Administration is ready to go but, without it, the Kennedy Center cannot be saved," Mayers added.

His comments echo those of the federal government against a lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio board member of the center, who argued it was illegal to add Trump's name to the building without explicit permission from Congress.

She said his efforts to overhaul the Kennedy Center during a two-year closure were not clearly presented to the board.

Her office did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment on the threat to demolish the building.

Earlier this year, a judge ruled that the president's name could not legally be added to the building and ordered signage recognizing Trump to be removed.

Instead of removing the lettering on the building, it was covered with a tarp. The board, largely appointed by Trump, voted to add an inscription underneath the Kennedy Center's name that reads: "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump."

The next court hearing regarding the Kennedy Center's future is scheduled for Thursday.