Former President Donald Trump is making waves by announcing he will take charge of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Trump, 78, claims the current board does not align with his “vision” for arts and culture, so he’s removing several members, including the chairman, and replacing them with those who support his concept of a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”
Trump’s vision for the Kennedy Center
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN.” Trump also criticized the center for hosting drag shows targeting children, promising this will stop immediately.
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth – THIS WILL STOP,” he said. “The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation.” He reassured his followers, “For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
Kennedy Center board shake-up
The Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, made up of 36 members, includes high-profile figures such as “Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes, singer Jon Batiste, and former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. These trustees are appointed by the president to serve six-year terms. Now, Trump plans to overhaul the board, removing some key figures.
David Rubenstein to be replaced
One of the most notable changes will be the removal of the current chairman, billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, a close ally of President Biden. Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, was appointed by President George W. Bush and reappointed by Presidents Obama and Biden. Trump’s decision will replace him with a new leadership team aligned with his views.
Kennedy Center responds
The Kennedy Center has acknowledged Trump’s social media post but noted they haven’t received any official communication from the White House regarding changes to the board. A spokesperson stated, “We are aware that some members of our board have received termination notices from the administration.”
While the center’s governance, established by Congress in 1958, allows for new appointments by the president, this is the first time such a significant overhaul is being made to the board.
Deborah Rutter steps down
Trump’s announcement comes just a week after Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter revealed she will step down at the end of the year. Rutter, who has led the center for over a decade, expressed mixed emotions about leaving, saying, “I don’t feel excited… If anything, I feel kind of sad. But I know that this is the right time.”
Trump’s past relationship with the Kennedy Center
Throughout his presidency, Trump had a complicated relationship with the Kennedy Center. He notably skipped the star-studded Kennedy Center Honors ceremony but made significant appointments to the board, including figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi, country singer Lee Greenwood, and businessman Paolo Zampolli.
First ladies from both political parties have served as honorary chairs of the Kennedy Center, including Melania Trump, Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton. Their involvement reflects the nonpartisan nature of the institution, but Trump’s new direction suggests a shift in focus.
What’s next for the Kennedy Center?
The Kennedy Center is one of the premier institutions in American arts, hosting more than 2,000 events each year. It serves as the home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. With Trump’s leadership now at the helm, the center’s future seems set for a dramatic transformation focused on what he calls a “Golden Age” of American culture.
