What developments occurred at the Kennedy Center during Trump’s presidency?

Until recently, the most significant highlights from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., revolved around its yearly salute to distinguished American artists.


However, the narrative shifted dramatically with the return of Donald Trump.


In the initial month of his second term, Trump dismissed the leadership of the arts venue, appointed a board of trustees predominantly made up of his backers, and proclaimed himself as the board’s unanimously elected chair.


As a result of these changes, the center has canceled upcoming performances, including the touring children’s musical “Finn” and a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. While Trump claims that the redesign of the Kennedy Center is part of his broader fight against what he refers to as “woke” culture, officials at the center assert that the cancellations stem from financial and scheduling issues.


In a recent statement to the Wall Street Journal, 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 dedicated to reviving the Kennedy Center into a vibrant and highly esteemed institution where both Americans and international visitors can appreciate the arts, honoring America’s rich history and traditions.”


What is the Kennedy Center, and what is its historical background?


Funded through a mix of government support and private contributions, the Kennedy Center is a massive 100-foot complex that includes a concert hall, opera house, theater, and additional spaces like a lecture hall and the “Millennium Stage,” which hosts free performances.


The foundation of the center is rooted in bipartisan efforts. In the late 1950s, during Republican President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration, a proposal was made for a “National Culture Center” based on a bill supported by a Democratic-majority Congress. President John F. Kennedy spearheaded a fundraising campaign in the early 1960s, and after his assassination in 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation that formally dedicated the center in Kennedy’s name.


Construction commenced in 1965, with the official opening occurring six years later, featuring a premiere performance of Leonard Bernstein’s work “Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers.”


Who has graced the Kennedy Center stage?


Historically, the Kennedy Center has served as a platform for a wide array of theatrical, musical, and dramatic acts, showcasing talents from the Paul Taylor Dance Company to Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s collaborative concert.


The center has also hosted notable events like the annual Mark Twain Award for humor, with previous recipients that include esteemed figures such as Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey, and Bob Newhart. The Kennedy Center’s honors ceremony has seen participation from presidents alongside artists with differing political views, showcased during Steve Martin’s tribute to Paul Simon amidst light-hearted comments about political celebrity interactions during George W. Bush’s presidency.


Why is Trump currently focusing on the Kennedy Center?


During his first term, Trump largely overlooked the Kennedy Center, making a historical record by skipping the honors ceremony. Notably, producer Norman Lear had signaled he might boycott the event should Trump attend.


In contrast to his previous term, Trump has adopted a more assertive stance in his second term, using some drag show performances at the center as justification for a complete overhaul.


On his social media platform, he stated, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have chosen to terminate various individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not align with our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”


Despite these changes, the Kennedy Center’s website still emphasizes its mission to ensure that educational and outreach initiatives reflect the diversity of the United States and uphold the highest standards.


There’s also a new initiative, “Promise of US,” inviting the public to contribute artistic self-portraits that will form a virtual collage celebrating America’s cultural diversity.


Who holds the reins now?


Trump removed the previous board chair, David M. Rubenstein, a notable philanthropist and owner of the Baltimore Orioles. The new board, traditionally balanced between Democratic and Republican appointees, has tilted considerably Republican, with recent additions including Attorney General Pamela Bondi, country music star Lee Greenwood, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.


In the wake of the board changes, Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, who was appointed by Rubenstein in 2014, resigned shortly thereafter. Trump has temporarily replaced her with Richard Grenell, who served as U.S. ambassador to Germany during Trump’s initial term.


“I’m genuinely saddened by the fate of our artists and the fate of our stages and the personnel supporting them,” Rutter shared in an interview with NPR. “The Kennedy Center is intended to be a guiding light for the arts across America.”


What has been the resulting impact?


The impact has been exceptional. Renowned consultants connected to the Kennedy Center, such as musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, have stepped down, while actress Issa Rae canceled planned performances. During a recent concert, singer-songwriter Victoria Clark displayed her dissent by wearing a shirt that read “ANTI TRUMP AF.”


Further controversy looms on the horizon. Upcoming performances are set to include “RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up,” a comedy event commemorating Women’s History Month, and comedian Conan O’Brien is slated to receive the Twain Award, which is likely to invite political humor. The Kennedy Center also plans to host “Eureka Day,” a play examining a mumps outbreak, a sensitive subject given the current political climate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.