Until recently, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., was primarily known for its annual tribute to distinguished American artists. However, the landscape has shifted considerably following Donald Trump’s return to the political stage.
In the opening month of his second term, Trump made significant changes to the center’s leadership, replacing its top officials and filling the board of trustees with his supporters. He even declared himself the board’s chairman by a unanimous vote. Subsequently, the Kennedy Center canceled performances of the children’s musical “Finn” and a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. While Trump attributed the center’s restructuring to his broader agenda against “woke” culture, officials from the Kennedy Center clarified that the cancellations were primarily due to financial and scheduling issues.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a recent message to a major newspaper that the Kennedy Center had to learn the consequences of “going woke” and emphasized Trump’s commitment to re-establishing the center as a vibrant and respected venue for all, rooted in American history and traditions.
The Kennedy Center, a large complex standing 100 feet high, is supported by a mix of federal funding and private donations, drawing millions of visitors each year. It comprises a concert hall, an opera house, a theater, and a myriad of meeting spaces, including the “Millennium Stage,” known for hosting free performances.
Its inception is notable for its bipartisan support; the idea first emerged in the late 1950s during Republican President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration, who advocated for a “National Culture Center” as proposed by a Democratic Congress. By the early ’60s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy initiated fundraising efforts, and his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, officially designated the center as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in 1964, following Kennedy’s assassination. Construction began in 1965, with the center opening six years later, showcasing Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” as its inaugural performance.
Over the years, the Kennedy Center has hosted a plethora of performances across various genres, highlighting the talents of acclaimed groups and individuals, such as the Paul Taylor Dance Company and the celebrated duet of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. It also features annual events like the Mark Twain Prize for comedy, which has honored notable figures like Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey, and ceremonies recognizing exceptional artists like Francis Ford Coppola and Bonnie Raitt.
Presidents have traditionally participated in these ceremonies, maintaining good-natured interactions even amid political disagreements. A memorable example occurred in 2002, when comedian Steve Martin humorously referenced pirated music, teasingly mentioning that President George W. Bush inquired about accessing bootleg recordings of Barbra Streisand, to which Bush and others laughed.
During his first term, Trump largely overlooked the Kennedy Center, making history by being the first president to frequently miss the honors ceremony, with one honoree, producer Norman Lear, outright stating he would not attend in Trump’s presence. In sharp contrast, his approach in the second term appears aggressive and assertive, aiming to transform the center’s direction following specific drag performances he claims necessitate a complete overhaul.
Trump announced via his social media that he intends to restore the Kennedy Center to its former glory, stating that he has removed several board members who do not align with his vision for a revitalized arts and culture scene. Meanwhile, the Kennedy Center’s official website continues to promote its mission, which stresses the importance of diverse educational and outreach programs reflective of the nation’s cultural richness.
As the changes took effect, Trump dismissed David M. Rubenstein from his position as board chair. The new board, largely Republican, now includes notable figures like Attorney General Pamela Bondi and country singer Lee Greenwood. Following this reshuffle, Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, who had been appointed by Rubenstein in 2014, resigned and was temporarily succeeded by Richard Grenell, a former ambassador to Germany.
Rutter expressed her deep concern for the future of the arts community and the center’s staff, indicating that the Kennedy Center should serve as a pillar of support for the arts nationwide.
The ramifications of these changes have been far-reaching and unprecedented. Several significant consultants, including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, have stepped down, while actress Issa Rae canceled an event. At a recent concert, artist Victoria Clark prominently displayed her discontent by wearing a T-shirt reading “ANTI TRUMP AF.”
As the schedule unfolds, further controversies seem likely, with announcements for an event titled “RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up,” coinciding with Women’s History Month, and Conan O’Brien’s Twain award ceremony, which could invite jesting about the president. Next month’s lineup also features “Eureka Day,” a play addressing vaccine skepticism, a hot-button issue given Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appointment as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
