Trump Formally Asserts Executive Privilege in Legal Fight Over Kennedy Center's Closure

October 15, 2026 / 11:54 AM EDT / CBS News

Trump Formally Asserts Executive Privilege in Legal Fight Over Kennedy Center's Closure

TL;DR

  • President Trump has formally invoked executive privilege over certain records related to the Kennedy Center.
  • The records are sought by Rep. Joyce Beatty as part of her legal challenge to the president's plan to close the center for renovations.
  • The White House claims the privilege protects communications concerning the president's duties and the institution's functioning.
  • Justice Department lawyers accuse Beatty of conducting a 'fishing expedition' and raising separation-of-powers concerns.
  • Executive privilege is not absolute and can be overcome by a showing of need.
  • The lawsuit also challenges the proposed renaming of the center and the closure plan.
  • A federal judge previously blocked the center's closure and ordered Trump's name removed from the facade.
  • Beatty's lawyers allege the Justice Department is improperly asserting a blanket privilege.