Trump’s Kennedy Center row deepens as lawmaker demands nearly 200 secret text messages

Beatty's lawyers believe Trump may have frequently communicated with Kennedy Center officials. (AP photos) A US lawmaker has asked a federal judge to order President Donald Trump's administration to release nearly 200 text messages and other records linked to the Kennedy Center in Washington, according to the Associated Press.Democratic lawmaker Joyce Beatty wants communications involving senior officials and the performing arts centre's management examined as she challenges plans to close the building for renovations. The request comes months after the same judge ruled that Trump's name had been illegally added to the Center and ordered its removal.Beatty, an Ohio Democrat who serves as an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center's board, filed the latest request through her lawyers on Sunday. She argues that the messages could help establish how closely Trump was involved in decisions concerning the centre, including its planned closure.Meanwhile, the Trump administration has maintained that the communications should remain confidential under executive privilege. The legal protection allows presidents to withhold certain official discussions.What court filings reveal about the mes...