Trump administration must provide Kennedy Center renovation plans to board members before key closure vote, judge rules A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to share detailed renovation plans for the Kennedy Center with Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty ahead of a critical vote on the president’s proposal to temporarily close and overhaul the iconic performing arts venue. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, emphasizes that Beatty, an ex-officio board member, must have access to the information to meaningfully participate in the upcoming White House meeting where the plan is set to be approved. Cooper’s decision highlights the significance of the project, noting that the renovation involves potential demolition and reconstruction of a major national memorial and theater. The judge stated that if the administration claims the plans are finalized, it must provide concrete details to the board, including Beatty, to ensure transparency. The administration had previously argued that the plans were “preliminary” and not yet finalized, but Cooper dismissed this as “bordering on preposterous.” Beatty, who has challenged the legality of Trump’s plan to rename the center the “Trump Kennedy Center” and temporarily close it, stated she had received the materials but called them “inadequate.” She accused Trump of shutting down the center due to declining ticket sales and artists leaving after his controversial renaming of the venue. “I’m not letting him get away with it – we’re holding him accountable,” she said. The judge also addressed Beatty’s separate legal challenge regarding the board’s rule change that barred ex-officio members from voting.#kennedy_center #trump_administration #joyce_beatty #christopher_cooper #new_york_philharmonic
