Trump Takes Direct Control Of Kennedy Center, Removes Board Members
President Donald Trump is taking decisive action to reshape the Kennedy Center, announcing the removal of multiple board members, including its chairman, and appointing himself to lead the institution. The move comes as Trump seeks to eliminate what he calls progressive influence over the arts, particularly after the Kennedy Center hosted drag performances aimed at children.
Trump shared his plan on Truth Social, stating, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN. 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!”
It is unclear whether Trump has the authority to remove board members, who serve six-year terms. Reports indicate that former President Joe Biden appointed several new trustees before leaving office, including former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden adviser Mike Donilon, and Democratic National Committee finance chair Chris Korge. Chairman David Rubenstein has held the position for more than a decade.
Trump has clashed with the Kennedy Center before, refusing to attend its annual honors ceremonies during his first term. His latest move signals a significant shift in his approach, as he directly takes the reins of the institution to reshape its direction.
The Kennedy Center has drawn criticism from conservatives for hosting drag performances, which Trump specifically cited as unacceptable. “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP,” he declared.
In addition to his plans for the Kennedy Center, Trump has promised a broader effort to restore traditional values in entertainment, previously appointing Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood. Newsmax reported that Trump’s push for control of the Kennedy Center is part of a broader plan to reshape America’s cultural institutions.
“The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel,” Trump said, vowing that “THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
