Until recently, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., was primarily recognized for its annual honors celebrating prominent American artists. However, the narrative has shifted dramatically with the return of Donald Trump.
In the initial month of his second term, Trump has taken significant actions at the arts venue by replacing its leadership and populating the board of trustees with individuals loyal to him. He declared himself unanimously elected as the chair of the board. In a recent statement made by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, she emphasized, “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 revitalizing the Kennedy Center into a prosperous and highly regarded institution where all Americans, as well as international visitors, can appreciate the arts while honoring America’s rich history and traditions.”
So, what exactly is the Kennedy Center and how long has it been in existence? With support from both government funding and private donations, the center draws millions of visitors each year. It is an impressive 100-foot high complex that includes a concert hall, opera house, theater, and various meeting spaces, alongside the “Millennium Stage,” where free performances are regularly held.
The roots of the Kennedy Center are inherently bipartisan. It was first envisioned in the late 1950s under the administration of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower, who endorsed a bill sponsored by a Democratic-controlled Congress that aimed to create a “National Culture Center.” In the early 1960s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy embarked on a fundraising initiative, and his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, enacted a legislation in 1964 that officially updated the name to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, following Kennedy’s assassination the previous year. Construction began in 1965, culminating in the formal opening in 1971 with a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass.”
Throughout the years, the Kennedy Center has been a prominent platform for theatrical productions and musical performances, hosting a diverse range of artists, including the Paul Taylor Dance Company and a unique collaboration between Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Notable moments include the annual Mark Twain Award for humor, recognizing artists such as Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey, and the Kennedy Center Honors, which have recently celebrated figures like Francis Ford Coppola and the Grateful Dead.
Presidents have traditionally attended these honors, often in the company of politically opposing artists. A memorable instance occurred in 2002, during George W. Bush’s presidency, when comedian Steve Martin humorously acknowledged his interaction with Bush regarding pirated music, bringing forth laughter from the crowd, including the president.
Why has Trump turned his focus to the Kennedy Center now? During his first term, Trump largely overlooked the center, even being noted as the first president to miss the honors ceremony frequently. Notably, producer Norman Lear had threatened to skip the event if Trump was in attendance. However, in his second term, Trump has adopted a more energetic approach, citing concerns over certain performances—like drag shows—as a catalyst for his desire to reshape the institution.
In a recent message, Trump stated, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.” Despite these changes, the Kennedy Center’s website continues to highlight its mission to promote educational outreach that reflects the cultural diversity of America.
So who is currently in charge? Trump has removed David M. Rubenstein, the previous board chair known for his philanthropic efforts and ownership of the Baltimore Orioles. The new board exhibits a significant Republican presence, with recent entries like country artist Lee Greenwood and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Trump has also displaced Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, who was appointed by Rubenstein, replacing her with Richard Grenell on an interim basis. Grenell previously served as U.S. ambassador to Germany.
Rutter expressed her dismay in an interview, stating, “I’m really, really, really sad about what happens to our artists, what happens on our stages and our staff who support them. The Kennedy Center is meant to be a beacon for the arts in all of America across the country.”
The aftermath of these changes is unprecedented and includes resignations from consultants like musician Ben Folds and vocalist Renée Fleming, as well as canceled appearances from figures such as actor Issa Rae and author Louise Penny. During a recent concert, singer-songwriter Victoria Clark sported a shirt emblazoned with “ANTI TRUMP AF.”
Further complications loom ahead, with upcoming events like “RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up,” honoring Women’s History Month, and Conan O’Brien poised to receive the Twain award, likely set to spark commentary on Trump. Additionally, there is a scheduled play called “Eureka Day,” addressing a mumps outbreak, especially poignant given the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, known for his skepticism regarding vaccines.
It’s important to clarify that while earlier reports suggested cancellations of performances, Kennedy Center officials assert that these decisions were made prior to the leadership change.
