Lawyers clashed Tuesday over the Trump administration’s use of executive privilege in a lawsuit concerning the Kennedy Center’s management.
The dispute centers on communications the White House refuses to release to a Democratic lawmaker suing over the president’s handling of the arts venue.
At issue is whether the administration can shield internal documents from congressional scrutiny in the case.
The lawmaker argues the records are essential to examining decisions made about the center’s operations and leadership.
Government attorneys countered that executive privilege protects confidential deliberations and preserves the president’s ability to receive candid advice.
The judge pressed both sides on how far the privilege extends when a sitting president directly manages a cultural institution.
A ruling is expected in the coming weeks, and the outcome could set a precedent for oversight of presidential involvement in the arts.
