Trump Announces Plan to Lead Kennedy Center and Overhaul Board

2025-03-01

President Donald Trump announced on Friday, February 7, 2025, that he plans to name himself chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and terminate multiple members of its board of trustees. In a social media post, Trump stated that he would remove board members who do not share his vision for a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.” He specifically criticized the center’s programming, citing drag shows that he claimed targeted youth, vowing to end such performances. Trump declared that the Kennedy Center “must reflect the brightest stars on its stage from all across our Nation.”

The Kennedy Center responded to Trump’s announcement, stating that it had received no official communications from the White House regarding changes to its board of trustees. However, the center acknowledged that some board members had received termination notices. The center emphasized that its governance, established by Congress in 1958, allows for the appointment of the board chair by its members. While the statute permits a new administration to replace board members, this would mark the first time such action has been taken in the center’s history.

David Rubenstein, the current chairman and a billionaire philanthropist, was set to serve until 2026. Rubenstein, appointed by both Democratic and Republican administrations, has not commented on the matter. The board includes prominent figures from both political parties, such as former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and TV producer Shonda Rhimes.

Trump’s move comes amid broader efforts to reshape federal institutions during his second term. The Kennedy Center, a cultural landmark since its public debut in 1971, has historically maintained a bipartisan board and enjoyed support from Congress and multiple presidential administrations. Trump’s decision to skip the Kennedy Center Honors during his first term highlighted tensions between his administration and the arts community. The center’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to non-partisan support for the arts, noting its collaborative relationship with every presidential administration.

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