Judge: Ohio Democrat Can Attend Kennedy Center Meeting But Can’t Vote

A federal judge has ruled that Ohio Representative Joyce Beatty can participate in Monday's Kennedy Center board meeting about Trump's renovation closure plan, but cannot vote. The ruling comes after Beatty sued to prevent the Trump administration from excluding her from the critical decision-making session.

WASHINGTON — A federal judge decided Saturday that Ohio Representative Joyce Beatty has the right to attend Monday’s Kennedy Center board meeting regarding President Trump’s proposal to shut down the performing arts venue for two years of renovations.

However, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper stopped short of granting Beatty voting privileges during the session, even though she serves as an ex officio board member through her congressional role.

Beatty filed the lawsuit to prevent the Trump administration from barring her participation in the meeting where board members will decide on the Republican president’s plan to close the facility during construction.

Judge Cooper determined that board officials must provide Beatty with documentation regarding the closure and renovation proposals, stating that denying her this information would hinder her ability to fulfill her trustee responsibilities. The ruling also guarantees her speaking rights during the proceedings.

“The Court finds, however, that Beatty has not carried her burden as to her right to vote, at least at this very early stage,” Cooper stated. He explained that permitting her participation and involvement in discussions means “the marginal harm to her from not voting is much less, as she will be able to lodge her objections on the record and have the opportunity to persuade her colleagues of her position.”

Neither Beatty nor Kennedy Center representatives immediately responded to requests for comment following the decision.

Following Thursday’s court proceedings, Beatty explained to reporters that her legal action was necessary to defend democratic principles and legal standards.

“I want to know where your money — our money — is going,” she stated outside the courthouse.

Beatty’s attorney, Nathaniel Zelinsky, argued that the White House has consistently attempted to silence opposition voices at similar gatherings.

“We’re not asking for something unusual,” he argued before the judge. “It’s my friends on the other side you are asking you to deviate from the norm.”

Cooper questioned Justice Department attorney William Jankowski about the administration’s reluctance to share meeting details with Beatty.

“Why not just give her the information?” the judge inquired. “How is the government harmed?”

Jankowski responded that the materials — potentially still being developed — would be distributed to Beatty and other attendees by Monday.

“An action isn’t final until it’s final,” he informed Cooper.

During his initial presidency, Trump largely ignored the Kennedy Center, abandoning tradition by avoiding all four annual honors ceremonies after some 2017 honorees threatened to boycott his attendance.

Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has demonstrated unprecedented involvement in the performing arts center’s management compared to previous presidents. He appointed loyal allies including Attorney General Pam Bondi and longtime associate Dan Scavino to replace board members he hadn’t selected, with the restructured board subsequently choosing him as chairman.

Trump participated in selecting the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees and hosted the ceremony. He has expressed dissatisfaction with the facility’s aesthetics and obtained $257 million in congressional funding for the Kennedy Center through a tax and spending measure he signed last summer. Richard Grenell, Trump’s appointee as the center’s president, has questioned the institution’s financial management. On Friday, Trump announced Grenell’s departure and replacement by Matt Floca, who oversees the Kennedy Center’s facilities management. These transitions are scheduled for confirmation at Monday’s board session.

The venue has experienced difficulties since Trump increased his operational involvement. Multiple artists have withdrawn from scheduled performances and visitor numbers have declined.

Last December, the board approved adding Trump’s name alongside Kennedy’s on the building’s facade, with installation completed the next day, prompting criticism from Kennedy family members.

In February, the president used social media to announce the Kennedy Center’s July 4 closure for two years of renovations, pending board authorization.