- President Donald Trump was named chairman of the Kennedy Center after a unanimous vote. The leadership change follows comments Trump made last week about firing board members Biden had appointed.
- Ben Folds said he is resigning from his post with the National Symphony Orchestra due to the changes.
- The board also reportedly voted to oust Deborah Rutter, who had served as president of the Kennedy Center since 2014.
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President Donald Trump is officially chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after a unanimous vote from the board. Following the announcement Wednesday, Feb. 12, the president posted on Truth Social, “We will make the Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place.”
Last week, Trump said he would fire multiple board members former President Joe Biden had appointed and install himself as chairman, marking a significant leadership change at Washington D.C.’s premier cultural institution.
On Monday, Feb. 10, Trump announced that Richard Grenell, who serves as his envoy for special missions, would be the center’s interim executive director.
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Why is Trump making changes to the Kennedy Center?
Sources told CBS News Trump wants to reshape the center’s governing body and performances, moving away from what he views as “woke culture.”
While announcing Grenell’s appointment, Trump said, “No more drag shows, or other anti-American propaganda — only the best.”
Last year, the Kennedy Center hosted events including a “Broadway Drag Brunch” and a “Drag Salute to Divas,” as well as a “Life of Pi” production and a reimagined Romeo and Juliet musical.
How is the art community reacting to the changes?
President Trump’s actions have led to criticism from the world of art and culture.
Shortly after Trump was elected chairman Wednesday, singer and songwriter Ben Folds announced on Instagram he would resign his post as an adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra –– which is overseen by the Kennedy Center –– saying “not for me.”
CBS News reported the board also voted to oust Deborah Rutter, who had served as president of the Kennedy Center since 2014.
She announced last month that she planned to leave at the end of 2025.
What is Trump’s past with the Kennedy Center?
Trump has a strained relationship with the Kennedy Center dating back to his first term in office, when he announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump would not attend the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017, after some award recipients that year threatened a boycott.
The Kennedy Center’s upcoming season includes revivals of popular musicals including “Les Misérables,” “Legally Blonde,” and “The Sound of Music.”
