Trump Declares Himself Chair of Kennedy Center, Plans to Fire Board Members

Former President Donald Trump has announced his plan to take over leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, declaring himself chairman of the institution on Friday.

Trump’s Announcement & Board Overhaul

In a Truth Social post, Trump revealed that he was immediately terminating several board members, stating:
“Multiple individuals do not share our vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”

He also confirmed his own appointment as chairman, writing:
“With an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”

Trump further criticized the Kennedy Center’s past programming, specifically highlighting drag performances, saying:
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth—THIS WILL STOP. 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!”

Kennedy Center & Rubenstein’s Response

A spokesperson for Rubenstein declined to comment on Trump’s announcement. However, a statement from the Kennedy Center acknowledged that board members had received termination notices but stated that they had not yet received any official communication from the White House regarding the leadership changes.

It also highlighted the bipartisan nature of the Kennedy Center’s leadership, stating:
“The Kennedy Center has had a collaborative relationship with every presidential administration, with a bipartisan board of trustees that has supported the arts in a non-partisan fashion.”

Unclear Which Board Members Will Be Removed

It remains uncertain which current board members Trump plans to remove. Under Biden’s presidency, several notable figures were appointed to the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees, including:

• Karine Jean-Pierre – Former White House press secretary
• Chris Korge – Democratic National Committee finance chair
• Shonda Rhimes – TV producer and current board treasurer
• Jon Batiste – Grammy-winning musician

History & Legacy of the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center was first envisioned in 1955 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who proposed a national cultural institution in the U.S. capital. After President John F.

Over the decades, the Kennedy Center has honored legendary artists, from Fred Astaire and Marian Anderson (1981) to recent honorees like The Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval, and the Apollo Theater (2023).

Upcoming Performances at the Kennedy Center

Despite the leadership shake-up, the Kennedy Center’s scheduled performances continue as planned. This weekend, performances include:

• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
• A special staging of the musical Schmigadoon

Trump’s decision to overhaul the board and reshape the institution’s vision could mark a significant shift in the future direction of the Kennedy Center’s programming and leadership.