WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge is reviewing a lawsuit that could determine whether Washington’s Kennedy Center will close in July for renovations. The judge questioned the Trump administration’s rationale for completely shutting down the iconic performing arts venue and whether adequate research supported this decision.
Tuesday marked the first of two consecutive court hearings regarding the Kennedy Center changes. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper refrained from making any decisions, though he posed numerous questions to both plaintiff and defense attorneys, leaving his potential ruling uncertain.
Judge Cooper queried the government’s attorney, Brantley Mayers, about the administration’s analysis of the financial implications of the center’s closure for renovations. He highlighted the absence of data on losses such as sponsorships, bookings, and revenue, stating, “I didn’t see any numbers.”
Cooper also inquired why the government had chosen to forego phased renovations, which had been the previous approach, in favor of a complete closure.
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
The focus of Tuesday’s hearing was a lawsuit initiated last year by Rep. Joyce Beatty. The Ohio Democrat filed the suit against President Donald Trump and other administration officials, acting as an ex officio trustee of the Kennedy Center. Beatty’s lawsuit was expanded in February to challenge the decision to close the center for two years starting in July for renovations.
Since resuming office last year, Trump has shown a keen interest in the Kennedy Center. He replaced its leadership with a board he selected, appointing himself as chairman, a move that sparked backlash from many artists and compounded the center’s financial difficulties. Earlier this year, Trump announced plans for the renovations, and his name was added to the building’s facade.
During the two-hour session, Cooper subjected Nathaniel Zelinsky, senior counsel at the Washington Litigation Group, to extensive questioning about Beatty’s legal standing to file the lawsuit.
The judge refrained from issuing any rulings, including a potential injunction against changing the center’s name.
At the hearing, Norm Eisen, a board member at Democracy Defenders Action and co-counsel with Zelinsky, cited numerous statutory references affirming that the center’s intended name is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
After the hearing, Beatty expressed concern about potential outcomes similar to those observed in the East Wing and Rose Garden, referring to significant alterations made by the president at the White House, if the center is closed.
Despite assurances from the new executive director, Matt Floca, that renovations would proceed correctly, Beatty voiced her mistrust, saying, “We went through the same thing at the White House. I was right outside there when we saw the bulldozers.”
A subsequent hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, prompted by a lawsuit from eight cultural preservationist groups who also oppose the closure and renovations.
During Tuesday’s session, Cooper indicated that he expects answers at the upcoming hearing, particularly from the defense, regarding future access to the Kennedy Center if it is closed, including public availability.
