Federal Judge Rules Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty Can Attend Kennedy Center Board Meeting but Not Vote on Trump’s Renovation Plan
WASHINGTON — A federal judge ruled Saturday that Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio has the right to participate in a critical Kennedy Center board meeting discussing President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to shut down the performing arts venue for two years of renovations. However, the court stopped short of granting her voting power at Monday’s session.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper determined that the Kennedy Center’s board must provide Beatty with documents related to the proposed closure and allow her to voice her concerns during deliberations. But he declined to force the board to let her cast a vote, stating that her ability to engage in discussions would still allow her to influence the outcome.
Legal Battle Over Transparency and Governance
Beatty, an ex officio board member due to her congressional position, sued the Trump administration after being excluded from preliminary discussions about the renovation plan. Her legal team argued that withholding information and barring her from the meeting violated her rights as a trustee.
“I want to know where your money—our money—is going,” Beatty told reporters outside the courthouse Thursday. “This is about standing up for the rule of law and democracy.”
Her attorney, Nathaniel Zelinsky, accused the White House of repeatedly silencing dissent in similar meetings. “We’re not asking for something unusual,” he said. “It’s the other side that’s asking the court to deviate from the norm.”
Justice Department lawyer William Jankowski defended the administration’s stance, claiming that details of the renovation plan were still being finalized and would be shared with all participants by Monday.
Trump’s Growing Influence Over the Kennedy Center
President Trump, who largely ignored the Kennedy Center during his first term, has taken an unusually hands-on approach since returning to office in January 2025. He appointed loyalists—including former Attorney General Pam Bondi and longtime aide Dan Scavino—to the board, which later elected him as chairman.
Trump also played a role in selecting this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees and secured $257 million in federal funding for renovations. His recent appointee, Richard Grenell, who served as the center’s president, has publicly criticized its financial management. Grenell is set to step down, with facilities manager Matt Floca expected to replace him pending board approval.
Controversial Changes Spark Backlash
The Trump administration’s involvement has sparked backlash from artists and Kennedy family members. Last December, the board voted to add Trump’s name to the building’s exterior alongside John F. Kennedy’s—a move that was swiftly executed the next day.
In February, Trump announced via social media that the Kennedy Center would close on July 4 for renovations, pending board approval. Since then, multiple performers have canceled appearances, and attendance has declined.
Monday’s meeting will determine whether the board greenlights the two-year shutdown. While Beatty won’t have a vote, her presence ensures her objections will be heard.
Neither Beatty’s office nor the Kennedy Center immediately responded to requests for comment on the ruling.
— Reported by Nexio News
