- President Donald Trump announced Friday, Feb. 7, that he will dismiss multiple board members of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and appoint himself as chairman. His unprecedented move raises legal and political questions about his authority to take control of the Washington institution.
- The Kennedy Center said it received no prior notice from the White House and noted that its board members are traditionally appointed to six-year terms, not subject to presidential dismissal.
- Trump criticized past Kennedy Center programming, particularly drag performances, and vowed to reshape the institution to reflect his vision for American arts and culture.
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President Donald Trump announced Friday, Feb. 7, that he will dismiss multiple board members of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and appoint himself as chairman. The unprecedented move marks a dramatic shift in the leadership of Washington’s premier cultural institution, raising questions about the legality of his authority to make the changes.
What did Trump announce about the Kennedy Center?
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, stating he would “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.” He added: “We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP.”
His announcement came shortly after The Atlantic first reported his plans to purge the board.
How did the Kennedy Center and its leadership respond?
The Kennedy Center’s leadership was caught off guard, stating they had received no prior notice from the White House regarding board terminations.
In a statement, the center clarified:
“Per the Center’s governance established by Congress in 1958, the chair of the board of trustees is appointed by the center’s board members. There is nothing in the center’s statute that would prevent a new administration from replacing board members; however, this would be the first time such action has been taken with the Kennedy Center’s board.”
The move shocked the arts community, given the Kennedy Center’s history of bipartisan leadership.
Who is the current chairman?
The current chairman, David Rubenstein, is a billionaire philanthropist who co-founded private equity firm Carlyle Group.
A representative for Rubenstein declined to comment on Trump’s announcement.
How are board members being fired?
At least one board member, appointed by President Joe Biden, received a termination email from Sergio Gor, who heads Trump’s presidential personnel office.
The email stated:
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position on the Board of The Kennedy Center is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service.”
The subject line read, “An Update from the White House.”
Why is Trump targeting the Kennedy Center’s programming?
Trump specifically called out the Kennedy Center’s past programming, particularly drag performances.
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth—THIS WILL STOP,” he wrote on Truth Social.
He further insisted that the institution should “reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation,” and declared, “For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
Has Trump clashed with the Kennedy Center before?
During his first term, Trump did not attend the Kennedy Center Honors, breaking tradition. Many artists had criticized his administration and threatened to boycott the White House’s involvement in the event.
Trump’s latest move appears to be part of a broader effort to reshape Washington’s arts institutions after his administration recently dissolved the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
What is the Kennedy Center’s history and purpose?
The Kennedy Center was established in 1958 by Congress as a “living memorial” to President John F. Kennedy and serves as the nation’s premier performing arts venue.
Originally conceived by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it was later championed by President Kennedy, who led fundraising efforts to build it. After his assassination in 1963, the venue was renamed in his honor and opened in 1964.
It has traditionally worked with every presidential administration and has honored performers such as Fred Astaire, The Grateful Dead, Frances Ford Coppola and Bonnie Raitt among others.
Who else is on the Kennedy Center’s board?
The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees consists of 36 members, typically appointed to six-year terms. Historically, board members have been evenly split between Democratic and Republican appointees.
Biden’s recent appointees include:
- Karine Jean-Pierre (Former White House Press Secretary)
- Mike Donilon (Political Strategist)
- Chris Korge (Democratic National Committee Finance Chair)
- Shonda Rhimes (TV Producer, Current Board Treasurer)
- Jon Batiste (Musician)
During Trump’s first term, he appointed Pam Bondi (his former attorney general) and Elaine Chao (former Transportation Secretary, wife of Sen. Mitch McConnell).
Does Trump have the legal authority to do this?
Legal experts and Kennedy Center officials question whether Trump can legally fire board members.
While the center’s statute does not explicitly prevent a president from replacing board members, there is no precedent for such action. Board members are traditionally selected by the board itself and serve fixed six-year terms, meaning they are not typically subject to dismissal by a sitting president.
The Kennedy Center has said it will review the situation and provide further updates.
What happens next?
It remains unclear whether Trump will face legal challenges for attempting to overhaul the Kennedy Center’s leadership.
The center will likely release further statements, and political and legal experts are expected to weigh in on whether Trump’s move is legally enforceable.
For now, the Kennedy Center’s future remains in uncertain territory as Trump moves to reshape one of Washington’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
