The Justice Department and attorneys for a Democratic congresswoman faced off in federal court Tuesday over whether the Trump administration can legally keep communications about President Donald Trump’s management of the Kennedy Center secret, the New York Times reports.
As widely reported, Trump took control of the Kennedy Center at the start of his second term and handpicked its board members. The board later voted to add Trump’s name to the building, sparking outrage and accusations that Trump was attempting to reshape the nation’s cultural institutions and erase history. Things escalated when a federal judge ruled that only Congress can rename the building, removing Trump’s name from the building.
A judge also blocked a separate attempt to restore Trump’s name to the building. In what many viewed as a retaliatory move, Trump’s handpicked Kennedy Center board voted to close the institution, citing structural deterioration. Trump has said renovations will not move forward unless a higher court allows his name to be added back to the building, warning that the center could otherwise be demolished. The Kennedy Center serves as a memorial to former President John F. Kennedy.
In Tuesday’s legal battle, Rep. Joyce Beatty argues the communications in question are important evidence in her lawsuit opposing Trump’s planned two-year closure and renovation. The Justice Department argues that executive privilege protects Trump’s communications. The administration says that because Congress gave Trump certain responsibilities over the Kennedy Center, his conversations with aides about the institution are part of his official presidential duties.
Beatty's attorneys say there are dozens of communications they consider important evidence in her lawsuit. She notes communications involving Natalie Harp, one of Trump aides whom she describes as one of Trump’s chief gatekeepers. Beatty also mentions communications involving Howard Lutnick, the Commerce secretary, who is helping Trump oversee the Kennedy Center. Judge Christopher Cooper is examining the limits of presidential authority and where Trump’s role as Kennedy Center chairman begins and ends.
Today’s court hearing comes on the heels of the center, and Trump, announcing this year’s honorees for the 49th Kennedy Center Honors on December 7. Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell will be celebrated at this year’s ceremony.
Variety reports a host for this year’s ceremony has yet to be announced. Trump hosted the 2025 gala, which resulted in a ratings dip. CBS served as the broadcast home of the event since its inception, but its contract expired last year.
