Until recently, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., was primarily recognized for honoring distinguished American artists through its annual celebrations.
However, that narrative has shifted dramatically following the re-election of Donald Trump.
In the opening month of his second term, Trump has dismissed the leadership of the arts institution, appointed a board of trustees comprised mainly of his loyal supporters, and announced he was unanimously elected as the chair of the board.
The Kennedy Center subsequently scrapped performances, including the touring children’s musical “Finn” and a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.
While Trump claims these changes are part of a larger campaign against what he termed “woke” culture, officials at the center state that the cancellations arise from scheduling and financial difficulties.
In a statement to a prominent news outlet, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked, “The Kennedy Center learned the hard way that if you go woke, you will go broke.
President Trump and the members of his newly-appointed board are committed to revitalizing the Kennedy Center into a flourishing institution where all Americans and global visitors can appreciate the arts while honoring America’s rich history and traditions.”
The Kennedy Center serves as a prominent cultural establishment supported through government funding and private contributions, attracting millions annually.
It features a towering complex that includes a concert hall, opera house, theater, lecture hall, meeting spaces, and a “Millennium Stage” known for hosting free performances.
The origins of the center draw bipartisan support, dating back to the late 1950s during Republican President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration, when he backed a proposal from a Democratic-led Congress that called for a “National Culture Center.”
In the early 1960s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy promoted fundraising efforts, leading to former President Lyndon B. Johnson signing into law a 1964 bill that officially renamed the project the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, following Kennedy’s assassination the year prior.
Construction began in 1965, culminating in the center’s grand opening six years later with a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass.”
Over the years, the Kennedy Center has been a venue for a diverse array of performances, showcasing talents from the Paul Taylor Dance Company to a unique concert featuring Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Notable events include annual ceremonies like the Mark Twain Award for humor, with past recipients such as Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey, and Bob Newhart.
The center has a tradition of presidential attendance at its honors ceremonies, even amidst political differences with artists.
A notable moment occurred in 2002 during George W. Bush’s presidency when Steve Martin humorously referenced Bush while paying tribute to honoree Paul Simon, contrasting the political landscape with an engaging spirit.
Interestingly, during his initial term, Trump had largely overlooked the Kennedy Center, notably becoming the first sitting president to regularly skip its honors ceremonies.
His newfound focus appears to stem from a determination to reshape the organization, reportedly spurred by incidents involving drag shows hosted at the center.
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” he announced on his social media platform.
Trump declared the immediate termination of several board members, including the chairman, for not aligning with his vision for a Golden Age in the Arts.
Despite this turmoil, the Kennedy Center’s website still promotes its core mission, emphasizing high standards in education and outreach programs that reflect the cultural variety within the United States.
It further features a project titled “Promise of US,” inviting the public to submit artistic self-portraits to create a virtual representation of the diversity that defines the American populace.
In the aftermath of these changes, Trump has replaced David M. Rubenstein, a notable philanthropist and sports team owner, as chair.
The new board is predominantly Republican, featuring figures like Attorney General Pamela Bondi and country singer Lee Greenwood, alongside White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Following the shake-up, Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, who had been in position since 2014, stepped down and was temporarily succeeded by Richard Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador to Germany.
Expressing her dismay, Rutter noted in a recent interview, “I’m really, really, really sad about what happens to our artists, what happens on our stages and our staff who support them,” emphasizing the center’s role as a beacon for the arts.
The implications of these changes are significant and unprecedented.
Artists and consultants affiliated with the Kennedy Center, such as musicians Ben Folds and Renée Fleming, have resigned, while actress Issa Rae has canceled her scheduled performance.
During a recent concert, singer-songwriter Victoria Clark made a statement by wearing an “ANTI TRUMP AF” T-shirt.
Further controversies loom, with upcoming events including “RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up,” a comedy show set for Women’s History Month, likely featuring jokes critiquing the current administration.
In addition, comedian Conan O’Brien is set to receive the Twain award, and the center plans to host “Eureka Day,” a play centered on a mumps outbreak, which could amplify tensions given the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, a known vaccine skeptic.
