US government may demolish Kennedy Center due to 'structural death spiral'

The Trump administration has threatened to demolish the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, if proposed renovations remain blocked by the courts. A Justice Department attorney filed a civil action stating the building, designed by Edward Durell Stone, is in a 'financial and structural death spiral,' losing 'tens of millions of dollars each and every year.' The filing proposes replacing it with a large outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the Potomac River. The administration argues that President Trump's efforts are the 'sole hope' for the Center's survival, and that without his recognition, donors will not contribute. The building has been contentious since Trump replaced board members in 2025 and had his name applied to the exterior, which was later removed by court order. Renderings of the proposed renovations, which would require years of closures, were released but blocked by courts earlier this year. A coalition including the AIA and Docomomo US has sued over the renovations. This week, a judge will rule on whether Trump can inscribe 'Restored and Renovated by President Donald J Trump' on the building. Donors and artists have pulled support, and visitor numbers have dwindled. The administration has also pursued other DC projects, such as relining the Reflecting Pool in bright blue and the 'Arc de Trump'.