Trump plans to name himself chair of Kennedy Center, fire board members

 Trump plans to name himself chair of Kennedy Center, fire board members

Former President Donald Trump has announced he is assuming leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, declaring himself chairman of the esteemed Washington, D.C., cultural institution. On Friday, Trump stated he would replace billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, a close ally of former President Joe Biden, who was originally set to serve as chair until 2026.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed he had begun removing "multiple individuals" from the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees, claiming they "do not share our vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture." He also announced plans to appoint a new board and wrote, "with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!"

Trump criticized the Kennedy Center's recent programming, citing its inclusion of drag performances aimed at younger audiences. "THIS WILL STOP," he declared. "The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel and must showcase the brightest STARS from across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!"

David Rubenstein, co-founder of private equity giant Carlyle, declined to comment on the development. However, the Kennedy Center released a statement noting they had received no formal communication from the White House regarding board changes, though termination notices had been sent to board members. The statement acknowledged that while presidential administrations have the authority to replace board members, this would mark the first time such action has been taken in the Center's history.

The statement further emphasized the Center’s longstanding bipartisan support from Congress and its tradition of working collaboratively with presidential administrations, regardless of party affiliation. It also highlighted the nonpartisan nature of the board, which has consistently prioritized advancing the arts.

Trump’s decision follows a contentious history with the Kennedy Center. During his first term as president, he skipped its annual gala after performing artists protested his administration and threatened to boycott White House events. The current board includes notable figures appointed by Biden, such as former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Democratic National Committee finance chair Chris Korge, TV producer Shonda Rhimes (who serves as treasurer), and musician Jon Batiste.

Established as the National Cultural Center under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955, the Kennedy Center was later renamed in honor of President John F. Kennedy following his assassination. It opened in 1964 as a "living memorial" dedicated to presenting a wide array of performing arts, from classical and contemporary music to dance and opera. Over the years, it has honored iconic figures such as Fred Astaire and Marian Anderson, as well as more recent honorees like The Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Frances Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater.