WASHINGTON, D.C.— In late December, Democracy Defenders Action and the Washington Litigation Group sued President Trump and others on behalf of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty to stop the unlawful renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. They released the following statements in response to President Trump’s social media post announcing the Kennedy Center will close for renovations.

Statement by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty:

“Once again, Donald Trump has acted with a total disregard for Congress. The Kennedy Center is congressionally funded, and Congress should have been consulted about any decision to shut down its operations or make major renovations, especially for two years.

“Countless employees, artists, and others likely have existing contracts and agreements with the Center. What happens to them? Has Trump or his handpicked Board given any consideration to their livelihoods or futures? This is exactly why congressional oversight is so important.

“And let’s be clear: remodeling the premises won’t restore the Kennedy Center to what it was. But a return to artistic independence will. America’s artists are rejecting this attempted takeover, and it is resounding. The administration knows it, and they’re scrambling for cover.”

Statement by Amb.Norm Eisen (ret), executive chair of Democracy Defenders Action, and Nathaniel Zelinsky, of the Washington Litigation Group:

“The Kennedy Center was illegally renamed. Ever since, artists and patrons have left in protest. That is embarrassing. Donald Trump's recent announcement that he will be closing the Center for two years raises serious questions about whether his purpose isn't to renovate but to shut the Center down to avoid further embarrassment. This will add further injury to the damage already done. We already have court proceedings pending and we will be considering all legal remedies to address this new and concerning development.”

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Democracy Defenders Action brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.

The Washington Litigation Group defends individuals and institutions who have been unlawfully targeted for exercising their rights and fights to curb governmental overreach.