Trump Takes Over Kennedy Center, Raising Concerns About Future of Institution

In August 2017, television producer Norman Lear and dancer Carmen de Lavallade declined to attend a White House reception for their Kennedy Center Honors awards. This decision was prompted by President Trump's remarks about the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

President Trump responded by canceling the reception and shunning the annual awards ceremony throughout his first term. In a recent move, he purged the bipartisan Kennedy Center board of Biden appointees, fired the center's president, and appointed himself as the new chairman.

Concerns have been raised about how President Trump, known for his thin skin and showmanship, will manage the Kennedy Center, a renowned institution of music, theater, and dance that has played a central role in Washington's cultural life for over 50 years.

Stephen K. Bannon, a former Trump advisor, has suggested an opening night performance by the J6 Prison Choir, composed of individuals pardoned by President Trump for their involvement in the Capitol attack. Additionally, President Trump may follow the example of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who invested heavily in state-sanctioned art to promote national and leadership glorification.