President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping overhaul of the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In a move that has stirred both controversy and curiosity, Trump declared his intent to dismiss multiple board members and appoint himself as chairman. This announcement marks a significant shift in the governance of one of America's premier cultural institutions.
The current board includes several prominent figures from both sides of the political aisle. Among them are Trump allies such as Pam Bondi, his recently confirmed attorney general, and Lee Greenwood, whose patriotic anthem became synonymous with Trump's presidential campaigns. Also on the board are key figures from President Biden's circle, including White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's longtime ally Mike Donilon, and Stephanie Cutter, a former advisor to President Obama.
Trump expressed his intention to implement changes to the center's performance schedule, specifically targeting events he perceives as inappropriate. He voiced concerns about the center's inclusion of drag performances, stating, "the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP." The Kennedy Center previously hosted "A Drag Salute to Divas" in July and a "Drag Brunch" in November.
"We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!" – Donald Trump
This bold move comes amid Trump's assertive actions across official Washington during his second term's initial weeks. Following Trump's announcement, the Kennedy Center's website experienced technical difficulties. In response, the center released a statement acknowledging awareness of Trump's post but noted they had "received no official communications from the White House regarding changes to our board of trustees."
"We have received no official communications from the White House regarding changes to our board of trustees," – Kennedy Center
The center's governance, established by Congress in 1958, mandates that the chair of the board of trustees is appointed by the center's board members. As such, any unilateral decision by Trump faces procedural challenges.
"Per the Center's governance established by Congress in 1958, the chair of the board of trustees is appointed by the Center's board members." – Kennedy Center
David Rubenstein, the current chairman and philanthropist, has held his position since 2010. Although Trump indicated he would terminate Rubenstein among others, he did not specify further which trustees would be dismissed.
Trump's absence during his first term from the annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremonies adds another layer to this unfolding drama. Meanwhile, Shonda Rhimes, television producer and center treasurer, who once hosted fundraisers for Biden, continues her role amid the changes.
The announcement has sparked criticism from various quarters, particularly among drag artists who view Trump's actions as a direct attack on their art form and identity.
"This is about who gets to exist in public spaces and whose stories get to be told on America's stage," – Blaq Dinamyte
"Banning an entire art form is censorship, plain and simple. Americans don't have to agree on everything, but we should be able to speak our minds and perform our art without bans, retaliation, or intimidation." – Blaq Dinamyte
Trump's vision for the Kennedy Center appears rooted in his broader cultural agenda.
"At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture," – Donald Trump