THE BARE STORY
President Donald Trump has invoked executive privilege over communications concerning proposed renovations, closure and possible demolition of the Kennedy Center, according to court filings in a lawsuit brought by Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio.
Deputy White House Counsel Joshua Hoyt said the privilege covers discussions between Trump, his advisers and Kennedy Center personnel. Justice Department lawyers argued that Beatty’s requests raise separation-of-powers concerns because Trump appoints and evaluates trustees and serves as chairman of the center’s board. Beatty’s lawyers contended that the government was improperly using a broad privilege claim to withhold information about Trump’s actions as board chairman.
The dispute stems from Beatty’s challenge to plans involving the congressionally created performing arts institution, including a proposed two-year closure for renovations. In May, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper blocked the closure, finding that the board had not sufficiently considered effects on the center’s finances and programming. The Justice Department has asked Cooper to lift that order; no ruling on the request has been issued.
The Kennedy Center Honors organization has announced that its annual event will be held at Capital One Arena in Washington.
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