Congresswoman rushes to court to save the Kennedy Center

TLDR:

• A Democratic congresswoman is asking a federal judge to block President Trump from demolishing or closing the Kennedy Center.
• Rep. Joyce Beatty fears she’ll be locked out of a critical board vote scheduled for March 16.
• Mr. Trump wants to shut the center for two years starting in July for a major renovation — but has shared no plans with the board.
• Ms. Beatty argues only Congress has the authority to close the federally funded arts complex.

A Democratic congresswoman is racing to court to stop President Trump from closing and potentially demolishing the landmark performing arts complex now called the Trump Kennedy Center — and she’s doing it fast, before the wrecking ball has a chance to swing.

Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, a member of the center’s board, filed for an emergency injunction Friday to block layoffs, halt canceled performances and bar any demolition or construction beyond routine maintenance.

“Only Congress may close the Kennedy Center, and Congress has not done so,” Ms. Beatty said. “The stakes could not be higher.”

Her urgency is pointed: Ms. Beatty said she’s acting now to avoid a repeat of the White House East Wing, which Mr. Trump demolished before opponents could mount a legal challenge.

Mr. Trump announced plans last month to shutter the center for two years beginning in July for refurbishment. But Ms. Beatty says she has received no actual renovation documents — and she’s asking the court to force the administration to produce them.

She also fears she’ll be barred from a board meeting set for March 16, where trustees are expected to vote on Mr. Trump’s plans, and has asked for a court order guaranteeing her access.

Mr. Trump fired much of the center’s leadership last year, installed himself as chair and named confidant Richard Grenell as board president.

The case is before Judge Christopher Cooper, an Obama appointee.

Read more:

• Lawmaker seeks emergency court order to stop Trump from demolishing Kennedy Center