Donald Trump has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest declaration is no exception. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the arts community, the former president has announced plans to remove multiple board members from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and install himself as chairman. His statement, posted on Truth Social, signals a dramatic shift in the leadership of one of America’s most prestigious cultural institutions and raises major questions about the future of the arts under his influence.
Trump’s message was clear: “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN.” He went on to emphasize his desire to remove individuals from the Board of Trustees who “do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture,” before declaring that the board would soon have a new leader—himself. His announcement specifically took aim at past Kennedy Center programming, including drag performances, which he vowed to eliminate.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has long prided itself on a tradition of bipartisanship. Credit: Getty Images
This move is not without obstacles. The Kennedy Center operates under a 36-member board, with trustees appointed to six-year terms by the sitting president. While the president has the authority to appoint members, the power to remove them is far less clear. Legal experts suggest Trump may face significant challenges if he attempts to dismiss board members before their terms expire. The current board is evenly split between appointees from the Biden and Trump administrations, including high-profile names like former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and political strategist Mike Donilon.
"/>David Rubenstein, the financier and philanthropist who has served as chairman for over a decade, had previously planned to retire in January 2025. However, following Biden’s re-election, the Kennedy Center extended his tenure until September 2026. Trump’s declaration directly challenges this decision, and if he follows through, it could create legal battles that test the limits of his executive authority.
This isn’t Trump’s first clash with the Kennedy Center. During his first term, he broke with tradition by refusing to attend the Kennedy Center Honors, the institution’s most prestigious event celebrating artistic excellence. His absence was widely seen as a response to honorees who criticized him. In contrast, Biden revived the tradition and regularly attended the event, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to the arts. Additionally, Trump previously dissolved the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 2017, a move that was widely condemned in the arts world. Biden later reinstated the committee, emphasizing his administration’s support for cultural institutions.
Trump’s latest move underscores his broader cultural agenda, which often seeks to challenge what he views as progressive influences in major institutions. His promise to reshape the Kennedy Center could shift its programming and leadership toward a more conservative vision. If successful, this could mean significant changes in the types of performances, exhibitions, and artists featured at the venue.
As of now, the Kennedy Center has not issued an official response to Trump’s announcement, and board members remain uncertain about their future. If Trump proceeds with his plan, legal challenges are likely, setting up yet another high-profile political showdown.
The bigger question remains: Will Trump succeed in reshaping the Kennedy Center, or will this attempt be blocked by legal and institutional constraints? One thing is certain—this battle is far from over, and the outcome could redefine the intersection of politics and the arts for years to come.
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