On a significant political note, President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to terminate several trustees from the board of the Kennedy Center and appoint himself as chairman. This move marks a substantial shift in the governance of one of the nation's renowned cultural institutions located in Washington, D.C. Trump expressed his objective to reshape the center's vision, asserting his commitment to a "Golden Age in Arts and Culture."
In his announcement on social media, Trump declared, "At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN." He emphasized that a new board would soon be established, with Trump himself taking the role of chairman. This decision aligns with Trump's recent actions as he navigates his second term in office, which has included attempts to downsize federal agencies, freeze expenditures, and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across governmental sectors.
A response from the Kennedy Center acknowledged Trump's post, stating they had received no formal communication from the White House regarding alterations to the board of trustees. The center confirmed awareness of several board members receiving termination notices from the administration. According to the center's governance regulations, established by Congress in 1958, the board of trustees chair is appointed by its members. Although a new administration may replace board members, this action represents a historical first for the Kennedy Center's governance.
Unlike his predecessor, President Joe Biden, and other past presidents, Trump did not attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors during his first term, which takes place at the iconic venue that opened in 1971. Following Trump's announcement, the Kennedy Center's website experienced technical issues, reportedly due to an influx of traffic, redirecting visitors to a waiting room as many attempted to access the site simultaneously.
Moreover, Trump indicated potential changes to the center's programming, specifically addressing the previous inclusion of drag performances aimed at younger audiences. He stated that such events, including last year's "A Drag Salute to Divas" and a "Drag Brunch," would cease under his leadership. This declaration reflects Trump's broader agenda to reshape the arts and culture landscape at the Kennedy Center, emphasizing traditional values and targeting events he deems inappropriate.
While Trump did not specify which board members would be terminated aside from the current chairman, David Rubenstein, he outlined a bold commitment to redefining the board's composition. Rubenstein has been a central figure since his initial appointment by President George W. Bush in 2001. He has since been reappointed by Presidents Obama and Biden, and his tenure encompasses a diverse group of individuals spanning both major political parties. Notably, the Kennedy Center board includes figures from the Biden administration, such as press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and former advisors like Shonda Rhimes.
Additionally, Trump's former allies, including Pam Bondi and Lee Greenwood, who resonated with the Trump campaign as the voice of "God Bless the USA," currently sit on the board. During Trump's previous term, he appointed several supporters, such as actor Jon Voight and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, further indicating a strategy to consolidate influence over the institution's operations. As the administration navigates these changes, the impact on the Kennedy Center's cultural offerings and its relationship with the performing arts community will be closely observed.
