Trump Claims Executive Privilege Over Kennedy Center Renovation

The United States Department of Justice and lawyers for Representative Joyce Beatty clashed in federal court on Tuesday over whether Donald Trump can claim executive privilege to withhold communications regarding his management of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Representative Beatty is suing to halt a planned two-year, $257 million renovation of the arts venue. She alleges that the center's board is acting out of fealty to the president rather than institutional responsibility. The Justice Department argues that Trump's role as chairman of the center's board falls within his executive duties.

Judge Christopher R. Cooper indicated that his ruling will depend on whether the communications involve core policy or administrative minutiae. The main building has been closed to the public since September due to infrastructure concerns. In previous rulings related to the dispute, Judge Cooper ordered the removal of Trump's name from the building's exterior and temporarily blocked the two-year closure in June.