President Donald Trump has announced that he’s taking over as the chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. In a recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that he plans to remove several current board members, including Chairman David Rubenstein, and appoint himself as the new chairman. He criticized the Kennedy Center for hosting drag shows aimed at young audiences and emphasized his vision for ushering in a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.
The Kennedy Center, established in 1958, is a renowned cultural institution known for its diverse performances and events. Traditionally, the board’s chairman is appointed by its members, and such a direct intervention by a sitting president is unprecedented. The Center has acknowledged receiving notices about these changes but has not yet provided an official response.
This move is part of a series of actions by President Trump during his second term, which include efforts to restructure federal agencies and alter cultural institutions. The implications of this decision for the Kennedy Center’s future programming and governance remain to be seen.
Art of the Deal: Trump Installs Himself as Head of Kennedy Center
