President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is removing multiple members of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees and appointing himself as chairman. He also signaled plans to influence programming at the prestigious cultural institution, vowing to end performances featuring drag artists.
Trump’s decision aligns with his broader efforts in his second term to dismantle federal agencies, freeze spending, and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture,” Trump declared on his social media platform. “We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
In response, the Kennedy Center released a statement confirming awareness of Trump’s post but stated that they had received no formal notification from the White House. “We are aware that some members of our board have received termination notices from the administration,” the statement read. It also noted that governance rules established in 1958 dictate that the board elects its own chair, and while presidents have the authority to replace board members, such a sweeping action has never occurred before.
Unlike previous presidents, Trump did not attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors during his first term. His post on Friday also hinted at changes to the center’s programming, specifically referencing past drag performances. “The Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth—THIS WILL STOP,” he asserted. The Kennedy Center had previously hosted events such as “A Drag Salute to Divas” in July and a “Drag Brunch” in November.
Following Trump’s announcement, the Kennedy Center’s website began experiencing technical difficulties, displaying a message about high traffic and redirecting visitors to a virtual waiting room.
Trump did not specify which board members would be removed besides the current chairman, David Rubenstein, a philanthropist and principal owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Rubenstein, first elected chairman in 2010, has been reelected annually and was originally appointed to the board by President George W. Bush, with subsequent reappointments under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
The current board includes figures from both political parties. Among its members are White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden adviser Mike Donilon, and television producer Shonda Rhimes, a prominent Biden supporter. However, Trump allies are also represented, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and singer Lee Greenwood.
During his first term, Trump appointed actor Jon Voight and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to the board. Huckabee, now serving as the U.S. ambassador to Israel, was one of Trump’s key appointments.
Trump’s unprecedented move marks a significant shift in leadership at one of the nation’s most prominent cultural institutions.