Trump Announces He’s Been ‘Unanimously’ Elected Kennedy Center Chairman

On Wednesday, President Trump declared that he had been chosen by all members to serve as the chairman of the Kennedy Center, thus concluding his control over the cultural hub based in Washington, D.C.

The action, which the president recently disclosed via his platform Truth Social, follows his decision to dismiss directors from the organization who were appointed by his forerunner, President Joe Biden.

A Truly Prestigious Role it is to serve as Chairman for The Kennedy Center, given the exceptional caliber of our Board of Trustees,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Together, we aim to transform The Kennedy Center into an extraordinary and vibrant destination!

On Monday, it was announced by Trump that Richard Grenell, his current special envoy for special missions, will serve as the temporary head of the Kennedy Center, replacing the previous executive director. Trump has been critical of the organization due to its programming being perceived as overly progressive. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his disapproval with the continued hosting of drag shows and other content deemed anti-American, stating “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST” as he announced Grenell’s appointment.

The Kennedy Center’s upcoming lineup features reprises of well-loved musical productions like “Les Misérables,” “Legally Blonde,” and “The Sound of Music.” Additionally, there will be a performance commemorating the 50th year anniversary of “Dungeons & Dragons” and a staging of “Parade,” which portrays the court case and lynching of Leo Frank, an American Jew in Georgia during 1915.

Trump’s actions have faced criticism, and on Wednesday, Ben Folds, a renowned singer-songwriter and former leader of Ben Folds Five, announced his resignation from his role as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) via Instagram due to the president’s decisions. In his post, he stated, “In light of recent events at the Kennedy Center, I am stepping down as artistic advisor for the NSO, effective today. This is not something I want to do.

According to CBS News, the refreshed board at the Kennedy Center will comprise Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, Dan Scavino in the role of White House deputy chief of staff, and Usha Vance as Second Lady. Additionally, Deborah Rutter, who has served as president of the Kennedy Center for over a decade, was reportedly asked to resign from her position.

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2025-02-13 00:19