Beatty asks judge to order release of Kennedy Center texts with Trump aide

Rep. Joyce Beatty is asking a federal judge to order the Trump administration to release emails, texts and other records withheld under presidential communications privilege in her lawsuit over plans to close the Kennedy Center for renovations. Beatty’s lawyers say the records could show whether the center’s board made independent decisions and clarify President Donald Trump’s role in its management and the closure plan. The records include 19 text messages between Kennedy Center CEO Matt Floca and Trump aide Natalie Harp, including 11 exchanged on the day the board voted for a third time to close the facility, as well as roughly 180 texts between Floca and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The administration has argued that the communications are privileged, while Beatty’s attorneys say they are relevant to the case; the judge had not ruled on the disclosure request.