Lawyers for the Trump administration told a federal judge that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts requires a $250 million renovation ordered by President Trump, warning that without it, the building could deteriorate into an unsafe structure requiring demolition. The filing, part of a lawsuit by Representative Joyce Beatty to block the inscription of Trump’s name on the center, described the renovation as critical to honoring President Kennedy.

It noted that if the center were torn down, a large outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Potomac River—previously proposed—might be built instead. Judge Christopher R. Cooper had previously ruled that adding Trump’s name to the center’s title was unlawful and temporarily blocked the closure plan, requiring the board to balance operating the venue with memorializing Kennedy.

Preservation groups have urged the judge to block demolition outright, citing Trump’s use of the term “complete rebuilding” and the recent demolition of the White House East Wing. The center’s executive director, Matt Floca, testified that no demolition plans exist at the center, though he acknowledged he does not control Trump’s personal decisions. The administration argues that allowing the renovation to proceed is essential to properly honor Kennedy’s legacy.