WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge overseeing a lawsuit that could decide whether Washington’s Kennedy Center closes in July for renovations questioned the Trump administration’s plans for the storied performing arts venue, asking Tuesday why the center needed to be closed entirely and whether the administration had done the research to back that decision.
The hearing Tuesday was the first of two back-to-back court hearings on lawsuits over changes at the Kennedy Center. It ended with U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper taking no action after firing questions at plaintiff and defense attorneys alike, making it difficult to predict how he might rule.
Cooper asked the government’s attorney, Brantley Mayers, where in its argument or submissions was the administration’s analysis of the cost of the closure so the center can be renovated, including the loss of sponsorships, bookings and revenue. “I didn’t see any numbers,” he said.
Cooper also wanted to know why the government might oppose renovating the building in stages, an attitude he said had been the “status quo” until it suddenly changed its mind and opted for closure.
Tuesday’s hearing centered on a lawsuit filed last year by Rep. Joyce Beatty. The Ohio Democrat sued President Donald Trump and other members of the administration in her capacity as an ex officio trustee of the Kennedy Center. Beatty’s lawsuit expanded to include the decision in February to close the center for two years for renovations starting in July.
