Trump takes control of Kennedy Center board
President Donald Trump asserted personal control over the Kennedy Center Friday evening, in a surprise extension of presidential authority. “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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.”
Trump’s decision put the resignation of Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter last month in a different light. In a statement posted last night, the Kennedy Center acknowledged it was aware of Trump’s post. The statement added that it had “received no official communications from the White House regarding changes to our board of trustees,” but said that some board members had “received termination notices from the administration.”
Although there has been no specifics about which trustees Trump has terminated, from the White House or the Kennedy Center, former President Biden in his final days in office made some overtly political appointees to the board including press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Democratic political strategist Mike Donilon, and Democratic National Committee finance chair Chris Korge. About half of the current trustees were appointed by Trump during his first term as president, including Pam Bondi, who was confirmed as Trump’s attorney general earlier this week.
The Kennedy Center announcement did not clarify whether board chairman David Rubinstein, already scheduled to retire in September 2026, was among those terminated. “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,” the KC statement stated. “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.”
In his social media post, Trump underscored one particular offense: “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.” The Kennedy Center hosted some performances by drag queens last fall, including brunches hosted by drag performers and an appearance by “the world’s first Grateful Drag band, BERTHA.” These events were listed on the KC website as “Social Impact” events and were not included among the offerings for Families and Young Audiences, though it was unclear whether admission was limited by age.
Trump also made clear that the institution is now under his direct control. “We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!” his statement concluded. “The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
At the time of writing, the Kennedy Center will remain open with no alteration to scheduled programming announced, and this evening’s NSO performance will proceed as planned.
7 Responses to “Trump takes control of Kennedy Center board ”
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Posted Feb 08, 2025 at 1:04 pm by Michael T Moore
Next, a name change to “The Trump Center” I suppose. Sad little man.
Posted Feb 08, 2025 at 1:51 pm by Laurine Myers
Another sign of a dictatorship.
Posted Feb 08, 2025 at 2:23 pm by DJ
How will a buffoon that is the least cultured and most offensive of any US President or US Citizen for that matter.
He is simply PO’d off with Caroline Kennedy for speaking truthfully of her uncle Robert, who is riddled with ‘brain worms’.
Posted Feb 11, 2025 at 9:00 am by Robert
Donald trump has no qualifications for such a position. He should be driven out of his Dictator actions
Posted Feb 13, 2025 at 10:28 am by Jonathan G Goeldner
Everything he touches he destroys. His vindictiveness will bring us ALL down
Posted Feb 13, 2025 at 3:48 pm by Victoria Carpenter
Will someone please explain on what authority he has to do this? What if we just start saying no to this shit?
Posted Feb 14, 2025 at 7:37 am by Wolfgang
What does Trump know about arts and culture? He’s a third rate president and first rate vulgarian. To him, art is beagles playing poker and culture, female mud wrestling.