If former President Donald Trump’s second term is anything like his first, he’d shake things up at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The decision represents a stunning turn in course for the venerable institution. His involvement includes leadership changes, a major renovation project, and a new approach to honoring artists, all of which reflect his vision for the center’s future.
In a turning point too rich to be fictional, Trump unceremoniously canned the head of the Kennedy Center. He followed that up by installing a new board, promoting himself to chair. This leadership overhaul illustrates Trump’s deep interest in the arts organization. In fact, during his first term he controversially streaked past Kennedy Center events, a move totally out of character for the shy administrator. His administration’s efforts have triggered a resurgence of activity to reclaim the downtown. Today, this extraordinary center is known and praised for its groundbreaking contributions to American culture and the performing arts.
Trump’s dedication to the Kennedy Center is better illustrated by his support of a multi-hundred million-dollar renovation of the physical building. These extensive renovations are focused on updating the overall facility and improving its capabilities further, reclaiming its status as one of the nation’s premier venues.
Beyond just shifting the structural tide, Trump indelibly stamped the Kennedy Center Honors with his presence by choosing the honorees. This national, annual event is a celebration of artistic excellence and an incredible display of talent. At a recent Pentagon ceremony, Trump presided over the honors like no president before him. He congratulated the class of 2025, welcoming them and handing out newly stamped gold medallions with blue ribbons to each. This alteration in ribbon color marks a departure from the rainbow-colored ribbons that have been used for ARTS since its inception in 1978.
“The Kennedy Center is going to be brought back to life.” – Donald Trump
In other ways, Trump’s presidency has been a time bomb. He allegedly turned down all kinds of suggestions for potential honorees. His reasoning was that they were “too woke,” revealing that he favors candidates who will toe the line and be in lockstep with his administration’s ideology. This change has faced backlash and led many in the arts community to question whether this decision was truly inclusive or representative.
Left to right, First Lady Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway at the Kennedy Center Honors. She has long-fought on behalf of her husband’s initiatives. As part of Trump’s leadership changes, Ric Grenell, his ambassador to Germany, was appointed as the new president of the Kennedy Center. Grenell is overseeing the ambitious rehabilitation and reuse project at the center. He’s shaking up programming, too, to bring its Education Department’s facilities back into the digestive track of American culture.
Trump’s right-wing takeover of the Kennedy Center has been a complete disaster, with extremely high staff turnover. Anger and frustration have been boiling over among arts advocates. Most importantly, a large swath of insiders are alarmed at the extreme direction that Trump is taking the party. Critics caution that his single-minded pursuit of political and ideological alignment could come at the expense of artistic merit and programming diversity.
As renovations progress, it remains to be seen how Trump’s vision will ultimately shape the Kennedy Center’s future. The changes he has implemented reflect a broader ambition to transform not only the building itself but the cultural landscape it represents.