President Donald Trump has announced the removal of several members of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ board of trustees and declared himself chairman, signaling a dramatic shift in the leadership and direction of one of the country’s premier cultural institutions.
Trump made the announcement Friday on his social media platform, stating that he was taking action to “make the Kennedy Center GREAT AGAIN.” His post suggested that he would overhaul the center’s programming, specifically vowing to eliminate performances featuring drag artists.
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote. “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. We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
Kennedy Center Responds
The Kennedy Center released a statement in response, saying it was aware of Trump’s remarks but had received no official communication from the White House regarding board changes.
“We are aware that some members of our board have received termination notices from the administration,” the statement read. “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. While the administration can replace board members, this would be the first time such an action has been taken.”
The board is typically composed of political figures, major donors, and cultural leaders, with members appointed by both Republican and Democratic administrations. The current chairman, philanthropist David Rubenstein, has served since 2010 and was first appointed by President George W. Bush before being reappointed by Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Drag Artists Push Back Against Censorship
Trump’s vow to eliminate drag performances from the Kennedy Center has sparked backlash from performers and free speech advocates, who say the move is an attack on artistic expression.
“This is about who gets to exist in public spaces and whose stories get to be told on America’s stage,” said Blaq Dinamyte, president of Qommittee, a national network of drag artists and allies. “Banning an entire art form is censorship, plain and simple.”
The Kennedy Center previously hosted drag-themed events, including a July performance titled “A Drag Salute to Divas” and a November “Drag Brunch.” Trump’s post referenced these events, stating, “The Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”
Political Shake-Up at the Kennedy Center
Trump did not specify which board members would be removed aside from Rubenstein, but the current board includes a mix of figures from both parties. Notable members include Biden administration officials such as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and longtime Biden adviser Mike Donilon. Other members include television producer Shonda Rhimes, a major Biden fundraiser, as well as Trump allies such as former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and singer Lee Greenwood, whose song “God Bless the USA” was a staple at Trump’s campaign rallies.
During his first term, Trump notably skipped the annual Kennedy Center Honors, a longstanding presidential tradition. In 2019, he appointed actor Jon Voight and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to the board, further aligning the institution with his conservative base.
Following Trump’s announcement, the Kennedy Center’s website experienced technical difficulties, with visitors encountering a “high traffic” warning and being placed in a digital queue.
As Trump continues to push sweeping changes across federal agencies and cultural institutions in his second term, his actions at the Kennedy Center underscore his broader agenda to reshape Washington’s institutions in line with his vision.
