A federal judge ruled on Saturday that a Democratic lawmaker is entitled to participate in a board meeting discussing President Donald Trump’s plan to close the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for two years of renovations. However, the judge did not compel the board to allow Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member, to vote at Monday’s session.
Beatty sued to prevent the Trump administration from excluding her from the meeting where board members are expected to decide on the proposal to shutter the center during the construction project. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper determined that the board must provide Beatty with documents regarding the closure and renovation plans. He stated that withholding this information would hinder her ability to perform her duties as a trustee and that she must be permitted to speak at the meeting.
Beatty’s Right to Participate
“The Court finds, however, that Beatty has not carried her burden as to her right to vote, at least at this very early stage,” Cooper stated. The judge explained that allowing her to participate and engage in deliberations minimizes the harm of not voting, as she will still have the opportunity to voice her objections and persuade her colleagues.
Neither Beatty nor the Kennedy Center immediately responded to requests for comment on the ruling. Beatty, speaking to reporters after the hearing on Thursday, emphasized that she went to court to uphold the rule of law and democracy. “I want to know where your money — our money — is going,” she said outside the courthouse.
Legal Arguments and Administration’s Stance
Beatty’s lawyer, Nathaniel Zelinsky, argued that the White House has a history of attempting to suppress dissent in meetings. He asserted to the judge that their request was not unusual and that the opposing side was asking for a deviation from the norm. Judge Cooper questioned Justice Department lawyer William Jankowski on why the administration resisted providing Beatty with the details of its plans.
“Why not just give her the information?” the judge asked. “How is the government harmed?” Jankowski responded that the information, potentially still a work in progress, would be provided to Beatty and other participants by Monday, adding, “An action isn’t final until it’s final.”
Trump’s Increased Interest in the Kennedy Center
During his first term, Trump showed limited engagement with the Kennedy Center, notably skipping the annual honors awards program after honorees threatened to boycott if he attended. However, since returning to office in January 2025, he has demonstrated a significantly higher level of interest in the performing arts center’s operations. Trump appointed loyalists, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and aide Dan Scavino, to the board, replacing members he had not previously appointed. The reconstituted board subsequently elected him as chairman.
Trump actively participated in the selection of artists for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees and hosted the program. He has expressed concerns about the building’s condition and secured $257 million from Congress for the center through a tax cut and spending bill signed into law last summer. Richard Grenell, an ally appointed by Trump as the center’s president, has raised concerns about the Kennedy Center’s finances. On Friday, Trump announced that Grenell would be stepping down, succeeded by Matt Floca, who manages the center’s facilities operations. These changes are anticipated to be finalized at Monday’s board meeting.
Recent Controversies and Renovation Plans
The Kennedy Center has faced challenges since Trump intensified his involvement. Several artists have canceled performances, and attendance has declined. In December, the board voted to add Trump’s name to the building’s exterior, a move completed the following day that drew criticism from some Kennedy family members. In February, the president announced via social media his intention to close the Kennedy Center on July 4 for a two-year renovation period, pending board approval.
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Fonte: CNBC
