Until recently, the prominent news from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., revolved around its annual honors recognizing prominent American artists.
However, the situation has shifted dramatically following the return of Donald Trump to the presidency.
In the initial month of his second term, the president made significant changes at the arts institution, dismissing its leadership and replacing the board of trustees with supporters of his agenda. He further proclaimed that he had been elected chair of the board without opposition. As a result of these developments, the Kennedy Center has canceled performances for the touring children’s musical “Finn,” as well as a concert featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. Although Trump has framed these changes as part of a broader campaign against perceived “woke” culture, officials at the center have stated that the cancellations stemmed from financial and scheduling issues.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented to the Wall Street Journal, indicating that the Kennedy Center understood that pursuing what is perceived as “woke” initiatives could lead to financial troubles. She stated, “President Trump and his newly appointed board are committed to restoring the Kennedy Center into a vibrant and respected institution that honors America’s rich history and allows people to enjoy the arts.”
To provide some background, the Kennedy Center is a significant cultural facility that relies on both public funding and private contributions, attracting millions of visitors yearly. The center, which stands 100 feet tall, includes a concert hall, an opera house, a theater, along with a lecture hall and various meeting spaces. It also features the “Millennium Stage,” known for hosting free performances.
The inception of the Kennedy Center came in a bipartisan effort, beginning in the late 1950s under the administration of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower. He supported legislation proposed by a Democratic-led Congress to create a “National Culture Center.” In the early 1960s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy began a fundraising campaign for the center, and his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, endorsed a bill in 1964 that designated it as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts after Kennedy, who had been assassinated the previous year. Construction commenced in 1965, and the center officially opened its doors in 1971 with a premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass.”
Throughout its history, the Kennedy Center has been a prominent venue for dramatic performances, music, and theater, hosting a variety of artists, from the Paul Taylor Dance Company to a joint concert by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Highlight events have included the annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, where recipients have included notable figures like Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey, and Bob Newhart.
Even presidents from both parties have attended the honors ceremony, demonstrating goodwill across the political spectrum. This spirit was illustrated in 2002 when comedian Steve Martin jokingly acknowledged the political differences present during George W. Bush’s presidency, which drew laughter from the audience.
Trump had previously overlooked the Kennedy Center during his first term, famously skipping its honors ceremony. Notably, producer Norman Lear had threatened not to attend if Trump was present. However, in a marked shift, the president is now taking a more confrontational approach, targeting the Kennedy Center for its performances that he perceives as inappropriate, including drag shows.
On social media, he asserted, “At my direction, we will make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. GREAT AGAIN,” insisting on an immediate overhaul of the board for those not aligned with his vision for American arts and culture.
Despite these upheavals, the Kennedy Center continues to present its mission on its website, aiming to ensure that its educational and outreach initiatives uphold excellence and represent the cultural diversity of the nation. A new project called “Promise of US” invites the public to submit artistic self-portraits to be included in a virtual collage highlighting the diverse nature and aspirations of America.
Currently, Trump has removed David M. Rubenstein as board chair; Rubenstein was known as a philanthropist and owner of the Baltimore Orioles. The board, traditionally a balanced mix of Democratic and Republican appointees, has now shifted to a mostly Republican composition, with recent appointments including figures like Attorney General Pamela Bondi and country music star Lee Greenwood.
After the board’s restructuring, the Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, who was brought in by Rubenstein, chose to resign. She was succeeded on an interim basis by Richard Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador to Germany.
Rutter expressed her concerns regarding the changes, stating, “I’m truly saddened about what this means for our artists and the staff who support them. The Kennedy Center is intended to be a guiding light for the arts throughout America.”
The repercussions of these changes are significant, leading to numerous resignations among Kennedy Center consultants such as musicians Ben Folds and Renée Fleming. Additionally, actor Issa Rae has canceled her performance. Last weekend, during a scheduled concert, performer Victoria Clark made a statement of dissent by donning a T-shirt that read “ANTI TRUMP AF.”
Further controversy looms on the horizon, as the Kennedy Center’s upcoming schedule includes the event titled “RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up,” coinciding with Women’s History Month, where Conan O’Brien is set to receive the Twain Award, likely sparking humorous commentary about the president. The center is also preparing to host “Eureka Day,” a theatrical production addressing a mumps outbreak—a timely concern due to the recently appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, a known vaccine skeptic.
