Former President Donald Trump is set to visit the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday to preside over a board meeting, following his recent move to
remove the institution’s leadership and install himself as chairman.
Trump’s takeover has sparked significant backlash, with artists and productions—including actress Issa Rae and the Broadway hit “Hamilton”—canceling upcoming performances in protest. Despite the controversy, Trump is expected to appear on stage at the Kennedy Center Opera House, a venue traditionally reserved for performances rather than board meetings, according to CBS News.
Leadership Shake-Up and Financial Concerns
In addition to assuming control, Trump has appointed Ric Grenell, a longtime ally and former diplomat, as president of the Kennedy Center. Grenell has expressed concerns about the institution’s financial health, stating that it currently has “zero cash on hand” and no financial reserves. He has pledged to revitalize the organization and restore its standing as the nation’s premier cultural venue.
Founded in 1971 in honor of President John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Center serves as the country’s leading performing arts hub, hosting concerts, theater productions, and other live events. While the institution receives 16% of its $268 million annual budget from federal funding, the majority of its revenue—$141 million in the last fiscal year—comes from private contributions and grants, according to The New York Times.
Controversy Over Programming and Cancellations
Trump’s decision to assume leadership of the Kennedy Center has been met with widespread opposition, particularly after he cited “drag shows” hosted at the venue as a reason for his intervention. He has vowed to end such performances, further fueling concerns about artistic freedom under his leadership.
During his first term as president, Trump declined to attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors, a tradition where outstanding figures in the arts are recognized. His renewed involvement in the center has led to further tensions between the arts community and his administration.
Boos and Political Divisions at the Kennedy Center
Last week, Vice President J.D. Vance faced an icy reception at the Kennedy Center when he attended a National Symphony Orchestra performance. Upon his arrival in the balcony with his wife, Usha Vance, audience members reportedly booed loudly in protest.
Grenell later addressed the incident on social media, condemning what he saw as intolerance:
"It troubles me to see that so many in the audience appear to be white and intolerant of diverse political views. Diversity is our strength. We must do better. We must welcome EVERYONE. We will not allow the Kennedy Center to be an intolerant place."
Trump’s New Board of Trustees
Alongside his own appointment as chairman, Trump has named several key allies to the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, including:
Susie Wiles (White House Chief of Staff)
Dan Scavino (Deputy Chief of Staff)
Pam Bondi (Attorney General)
Usha Vance (Wife of VP J.D. Vance)
Lee Greenwood (Country Singer)
Laura Ingraham (Fox News Host)
Sergio Gor (Director of Trump's Personnel Office)
As Trump prepares to lead his first Kennedy Center board meeting, the future of the institution remains uncertain. With tensions high and artistic figures divided over the new leadership, all eyes are on what direction the center will take under Trump’s control. Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia commons.
