Judge Grills Trump Team Over Kennedy Center Shutdown

0:00On April 28th, a federal judge in Washington just grilled lawyers over the Trump team's plan to shut down the Kennedy Center completely for two years, starting in July for renovations. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper wants hard numbers on the costs, like lost revenue from bookings and sponsors, and why they can't just do that. Working phases like they used to. The hearing kicked off a pair of back-to-back core battles, including one from Ohio Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who's suing as a Kennedy Center. Trusty Cooper hit both sides with tough questions, but held off on any rulings, leaving everyone guessing on injunctions or name changes to the building. Trump's been deep in this since taking office, firing old leaders, stacking the board with his picks, and even slapping his name on the facade, which sparked backlash from artists and worsened money woes. Beatty's suit blew up after the February closure announcement. Beatty voiced real fears, post-hearing, comparing it to Trump's White House overhalls, like the East Wing and Rose Garden, saying she doesn't trust her.

1:03New exec directors promises after seeing bulldozers roll in before. Cultural groups are also suing against the shutdown. Another hearing drops Wednesday with preservationist piling on, and Cooper's already signaling more questions for the defense on public access during. Closure eyes stay glued as this cultural clash unfolds. That's your U.S. News Today update. AI powered and always on.