Trump Seeks to Keep Kennedy Center Renovation Details Hidden Amid Name Dispute
The Justice Department asked a judge to end discovery in Rep. Joyce Beatty’s lawsuit over the Trump administration’s secretive Kennedy Center renovation plans and the president’s attempt to attach his name to the venue.
Justice Department lawyers submitted a brief on Tuesday requesting that a federal judge terminate discovery in the lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty, who seeks more documents on the Trump administration’s plan to shut the Kennedy Center for a two-year overhaul and to restore the president’s name to the landmark. The DOJ argued that the administration has already produced ample evidence and that additional requests are unnecessary, labeling Beatty’s motion as “desperate.”
Beatty, the sole board member opposing the renovation and name restoration, alleges that key communications have been hidden under presidential privilege. She also contends that the administration’s actions could expose misconduct. The administration maintains that the supplied records refute any wrongdoing.
Previously, an Obama-appointed judge blocked the board’s decision to affix Trump’s name after a legal order removed it, prompting threats to demolish the center if the name is not reinstated. Trump has defended his interest by describing the Center as financially troubled and in need of recognition for any rescue effort.
