Trump Takes Over the Kennedy Center

 Trump Takes Over the Kennedy Center

The president plans to overhaul the institution’s board as part of a more assertive stance on the arts.

By Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker

When Donald Trump first arrived in Washington, artists openly embarrassed him. Now that he’s back in power, Trump is determined not to let history repeat itself.

The former president is expected to announce the dismissal of several members of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees as early as today. The removals are likely to include appointees of former President Joe Biden, such as Democratic political strategist Mike Donilon, former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and Democratic National Committee finance chair Chris Korge. According to two individuals familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the White House has also discussed the possibility of Trump assuming the role of board chair himself. A White House spokesperson declined to comment.

(Several hours after this report was published, Trump confirmed the decision on Truth Social, declaring his intention to make the Kennedy Center “GREAT AGAIN” by removing “multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.” He further announced plans for a “new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!” Trump added, “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!”)