Attorneys for Rep. Joyce Beatty filed a motion in federal court to prohibit the demolition of the Kennedy Center after photographs emerged of President Trump reviewing plans to destroy the building. The legal team, representing the trustee and plaintiff, is requesting a court order that makes it "crystal clear" that the structure cannot be demolished. The plaintiffs also called for the resignation of the center's board members or the appointment of a receiver to oversee the facility.

The conflict involves a Trump-appointed board that recently closed the main building for renovations, citing structural deterioration. President Trump has previously indicated that the facility will not be renovated unless his name is restored to the building, a move that Beatty has challenged in court.

Judge Christopher Cooper previously ordered the administration to provide 30 days' notice before any major physical changes, including demolition, were made to the landmark. This latest filing seeks to replace that notice requirement with a total prohibition. The dispute remains active as the venue stays closed to the public while parties fight over the use of $257 million in appropriated taxpayer money.