WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Friday his decision to dismiss several members of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees and to assume the role of chairman himself. He also made it clear that he plans to take control of programming activities at the esteemed cultural institution, specifically stating that he will halt performances featuring drag artists.
This announcement arrives as the new president has rapidly pushed for significant changes in Washington during the initial weeks of his second term. His agenda includes shutting down federal agencies, freezing certain expenditures, and abolishing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the government.
“In line with my vision, we are going to restore greatness to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. I have decided to terminate several individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not align with our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture,” Trump stated through his social media platform.
“We will be introducing a new Board shortly, led by an exceptional Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
Following Trump’s announcement, the Kennedy Center acknowledged his post through a late Friday statement on its website. They noted, “We have not received any official communications from the White House regarding alterations to our board of trustees.” They further mentioned awareness that some board members had indeed received termination notices from the administration.
The statement elaborated that, as established by the governance created by Congress in 1958, the board’s chairman is selected by its members. They also indicated that although a new administration can replace board members, this would mark the first instance of such action against the Kennedy Center’s board.
In contrast to former President Joe Biden and many predecessors, Trump did not participate in the annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremonies throughout his previous term. The event is hosted at the iconic performing arts venue located in Washington’s Foggy Bottom area, which was inaugurated in 1971.
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, visitors to the Kennedy Center website encountered challenges, receiving messages about “high traffic” and being rerouted to a “waiting room” that displayed the number of individuals ahead of them attempting to access the site.
In his social media statement, Trump hinted at plans to modify the center’s performance lineup, remarking that previous events, such as Drag Shows that targeted young audiences, “WILL STOP.” The Kennedy Center had notably hosted performances like “A Drag Salute to Divas” and a “Drag Brunch” last summer.
While Trump mentioned terminating certain board members, he did not specify which other individuals would be affected apart from the current chairman, philanthropist David Rubenstein. The board has traditionally included major political figures and donors from both major political parties.
Rubenstein, initially elected to the chairman position in 2010, has been reelected annually and was first appointed by President George W. Bush before being reappointed by Presidents Obama and Biden. The current board includes White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Mike Donilon, a close ally of Biden, and Stephanie Cutter, a former adviser under Obama. Additionally, television producer Shonda Rhimes, known for hosting fundraisers for Biden, serves as the board’s treasurer.
However, the board also consists of Trump’s allies, such as Pam Bondi, the newly confirmed attorney general, and Lee Greenwood, whose song “God Bless the USA” served as an unofficial anthem during Trump’s campaign. During his past term in 2019, Trump appointed actor Jon Voight, a long-time supporter, as well as former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who he designated as U.S. ambassador to Israel in this current round of appointments.
