WASHINGTON (Slice News) — Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio and a member of the Kennedy Center’s board, is condemning President Donald Trump’s planned closure of the venue, saying the administration failed to properly consult Congress on a decision involving a federally funded institution. The POTUS stated many "experts" agree that the building that he called "dilapidated" needs improvements. While the building has an outdated interior, there are no obvious physical signs it has fallen apart as his description suggests.
In a statement released on Feb 2, Beatty said the president should have sought congressional input before announcing plans to shut down the landmark cultural facility for renovations. Construction, funding and major operational decisions at the Kennedy Center fall under congressional oversight, she noted, given the federal government’s role in establishing and supporting the institution.
“The Kennedy Center belongs to the American people,” Beatty said, adding that Congress has a responsibility to weigh in on any decision that disrupts its mission or public access.
The criticism comes just days after First Lady Melania Trump premiered her new documentary, “Melania,” at the Kennedy Center. The timing has drawn scrutiny as regular programming cancellations at the venue have increased in recent months, while the president has continued to use the building for select private and political functions.
Trump, who named himself chairman of the Kennedy Center Board, added his name to the building last December — a move Beatty said was carried out despite her formal opposition. According to Beatty, the decision was approved by the board over her dissenting vote and without broader consultation.
The Kennedy Center, which opened in 1971, was created through an act of Congress and relies on a mix of federal appropriations, private donations and ticket revenue. Lawmakers have historically played a role in oversight of the center’s governance and long-term planning.
The White House has not publicly responded to Beatty’s statement or clarified whether Congress will be consulted before renovations proceed.