Will a federal judge force the disclosure of private texts that could unravel the massive Kennedy Center closure plan?

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Maybe, but it is far from certain. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper has not yet ruled on whether the administration must turn over the withheld texts, including about 180 messages between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Kennedy Center executive Matt Floca, plus 19 messages between Floca and aide Natalie Harp. Those communications matter because plaintiffs say they could show how directly Trump shaped the Kennedy Center’s management, closure planning and renovation strategy. The judge has already shown a willingness to push for more transparency. He previously ordered Trump’s name removed from the building, blocked efforts to restore it, and allowed discovery into the closure plan and even possible demolition issues. He also reportedly ordered the unsealing of a PowerPoint and limited redactions to a JLL report tied to the proposed shutdown. That suggests he is skeptical of broad secrecy claims where the records go to the heart of the case. Still, the administration has a real argument to press. White House lawyers say the messages are protected by presidential communications privilege because they reflect advice to the president or exchanges among close advisers. A recent Justice Department legal opinion also supports a broader view of privilege for presidential communications with outside or nontraditional advisers. What may decide it is the Kennedy Center’s unusual status. Plaintiffs argue it is a congressionally created nonprofit, not a normal executive agency…

Judge Weighs 180 Kennedy Center Messages in Trump Executive Privilege Fight

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Judge Weighs 180 Kennedy Center Messages in Trump Executive Privilege Fight

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