Lawyers for Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty requested an emergency hearing on Wednesday over the abrupt closure of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, arguing it violates a May court order barring the institution from shuttering. The center closed its main building Tuesday, citing safety concerns after a five-foot section of water-damaged ceiling plaster fell during a storm.

President Trump, who has pushed for a $257 million renovation, said the building was in a "virtual state of collapse." Judge Christopher R. Cooper temporarily blocked the closure in May, citing a lack of scrutiny from the Trump-allied board. After Beatty's request, executive director Matt Floca said the closure would last seven days, with extensions assessed weekly.

Judge Cooper asked the center to respond by Thursday morning. The Justice Department, representing the center, did not comment on whether a temporary closure requires court approval. The center has defended the closure as legally sound and urgently needed, and says a longer closure won't begin without court approval.

The smaller Reach addition remains open, hosting free performances this week.