President Trump Blocks Kennedy Center Docs

President Donald Trump formally invoked presidential communications privilege in Rep. Joyce BeattyJoyce BeattyUnited States Representative from Ohio since 2013’s lawsuit, seeking to withhold requested records and block some deposition answers about the Kennedy CenterJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Artsperforming arts center in Washington, D.C., United States. Beatty, a Democratic representative, serves ex officio on the Kennedy Center board. She is challenging plans to close the main building for a two-year renovation and add Trump’s name to the institution. The administration says Trump appoints board and advisory members, so he needs candid advice on management and fundraising. The Justice DepartmentDepartment of JusticeUnited States federal executive department calls the request an overbroad fishing expedition; Beatty’s lawyers say the evidence is needed. The privilege claim also covers related communications involving advisers, Kennedy Center staff and Commerce Secretary Howard LutnickHoward LutnickAmerican billionaire businessman (born 1961). The court has not decided whether to compel evidence or accept the privilege claim.