President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is firing members of the board of trustees for the Kennedy Center and naming himself chairman. He also indicated that he would be dictating programming at the institution, specifically stating that he would put an end to events featuring performers in drag.
Trump's announcement came as he has taken a number of actions to reshape the federal government during his second term. He has tried to shutter federal agencies, freeze spending, and end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the government.
In a statement on his social media website, Trump wrote that he is going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. "GREAT AGAIN." He said he has decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share his "Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture."
Trump also announced that he will soon announce a new Board, with himself as the Chairman.
The Kennedy Center responded to Trump's announcement in a statement on its website. The statement said that the Center is aware of Trump's post and that it has received no official communications from the White House regarding changes to its board of trustees. The statement also said that the Center is aware that some members of its board have received termination notices from the administration.
The statement continued by saying that 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. The statement said that there is nothing in the Center's statute that would prevent a new administration from replacing board members, but that this would be the first time such action has been taken with the Kennedy Center's board.
Trump also suggested in his post that he would be implementing some changes to the center's performance schedule, noting that last year "the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth – THIS WILL STOP."
According to its website, the center in July hosted a preshow titled "A Drag Salute to Divas" and a November "Drag Brunch."
In his post, Trump did not clarify which board of trustee members he would be terminating besides the current chairman, philanthropist David Rubenstein. The board often features political power brokers and major donors, and is currently made up of members from both sides of the aisle.
11 Comments
Pupsik
“The Center needs a fresh perspective. Trump’s new board could bring accountability and real change.”
Marishka
“This plan highlights a clear conflict of interest—using a historic institution to push partisan values.”
Africa
“I can’t believe Trump is dictating cultural programming. Art and culture should not be reduced to political spectacles.”
BuggaBoom
“Trump’s drastic move removes the board’s expertise and undermines the critical checks built into the Center’s governance.”
Eugene Alta
“I support his move. If certain programming doesn’t align with our values, why shouldn’t it be reevaluated?”
ytkonos
“Enough with the politically correct agenda—the arts should celebrate our roots, not cater to extreme trends.”
dedus mopedus
“This isn’t about ‘making things great’ but about silencing diverse voices in the arts. It’s dangerous.”
lettlelenok
“Trump’s return to directing programming might just restore the Kennedy Center’s prestige by making it more relatable to everyday Americans.”
Eugene Alta
“His interference in cultural programming is an attack on free expression and creative independence.”
Donatello
“Ending drag shows under the guise of ‘protecting our youth’ is nothing more than a thinly veiled intolerance.”
BuggaBoom
“It’s about putting America first. The Kennedy Center will now better reflect our country’s history and mainstream culture.”