WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has announced that he is dismissing members of the board of trustees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and appointing himself as the chairman.
He stated his intention to influence programming at this celebrated cultural institution, notably declaring an end to events featuring drag performances.
Trump’s revelation on Friday aligns with his administration’s aggressive stance in his second term, marked by efforts to shrink federal agencies, freeze spending, and eliminate diversity and inclusion programs across the government.
“Under my direction, we will restore the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to its greatness. I am immediately terminating several individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our vision for a new golden age in arts and culture,” he expressed on his social media platform.
He added: “We will soon introduce a new Board, led by an exceptional Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
In a subsequent statement on its website, the Kennedy Center acknowledged Trump’s announcement. “We have received no official notifications from the White House regarding changes to our board of trustees,” they noted.
They further clarified that “some board members have received termination notices from the administration.”
The statement elaborated: “According to the governance established by Congress in 1958, the chair of the board of trustees is appointed by the Center’s board members. While it is permissible for a new administration to replace board members, this would mark the first time such a measure has been taken with the Kennedy Center’s board.”
Drag artists have accused Trump of targeting their community, asserting that freedom of expression is a constitutional right in the U.S.
“This issue is about who can exist in public spaces and whose narratives are presented on America’s stage,” said Blaq Dinamyte, president of Qommittee, a nationwide network of drag artists and supporters.
“Outlawing an entire form of art constitutes censorship. We may not agree on everything as Americans, but we should have the freedom to express ourselves and showcase our art without fear of bans or intimidation.”
Unlike many of his predecessors, including Democratic President Joe Biden, Trump did not attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremonies during his first term.
Not long after Trump’s announcement, the Kennedy Center’s website faced technical issues, displaying a message indicating “high traffic” and redirecting users to a waiting area showing the number of users attempting to access the site.
Trump indicated in his remarks that he plans to make changes to the center’s performance schedule, highlighting that “last year, the Kennedy Center featured drag shows aimed at our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”
As stated on its site, last July, the center hosted a preshow titled “A Drag Salute to Divas” and a November event named “Drag Brunch.”
In his message, Trump did not specify which trustees he intends to dismiss apart from the current chairman, philanthropist David Rubenstein.
Historically, the board has included influential political figures and major benefactors from both political parties.
Rubenstein has held the position since 2010, elected yearly thereafter, and was first appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, later reappointed by Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Biden.
The existing board comprises individuals tied to Biden’s administration, including White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden advisor Mike Donilon, and former adviser Stephanie Cutter.
Notably, television producer Shonda Rhimes serves as the treasurer and organized fundraisers for Biden before he suspended his reelection campaign last summer.
However, the board also includes Trump affiliates, such as Pam Bondi, his recently confirmed attorney general, and singer Lee Greenwood, whose song “God Bless the USA” served as an unofficial anthem during Trump’s campaigns.
During his initial term in 2019, Trump nominated actor Jon Voight, a long-time supporter, to the board, along with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, whom he has chosen for the post of U.S. ambassador to Israel in his second term.
