Trumps Takeover of Kennedy Center Sparks Cancellations, Resignations, and Outrage

In a highly controversial move that has sparked widespread outrage and cancellations, President Trump has taken over the board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, replacing 18 members with a Trump-aligned majority and appointing himself as chairman "effective immediately." The changes have been met with swift backlash from prominent artists and key board members who have resigned in protest. The fallout from the changes has been swift. Philadelphia-based rock and soul band Low Cut Connie announced on Thursday that they were canceling a scheduled March 19 performance at the Kennedy Center, citing their decision to not perform at an institution now chaired by President Trump. Band founder Adam Weiner wrote on Instagram, "I was very excited to perform as part of this wonderful institution's Social Impact series, which emphasizes community, joy, justice, and equity through the arts. Upon learning that this institution that has run nonpartisan for 54 years is now chaired by President Trump himself and his regime, I decided I will not perform there." Similarly, Issa Rae canceled her sold-out show, An Evening With Issa Rae, at the venue after hearing about Trump’s new role. "Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue," she wrote on Instagram. Musician Ben Folds, a longtime artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, resigned his post immediately following Trump’s installation as chairman. He was soon joined by Renée Fleming, the world-renowned soprano who had served as an artistic adviser at large at the center. "I’ve treasured the bipartisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best," Fleming said in a statement. "I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country." Shonda Rhimes, the producer behind the television hits Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton, had served as treasurer of the Kennedy Center’s board after being appointed by President Barack Obama. She resigned within hours of Trump’s takeover. In early February, Trump announced on Truth Social his plan to "immediately terminate" board members appointed by President Joe Biden, saying they "do not share" his vision. He then replaced them with a roster of White House officials, administration insiders, and wealthy donors. On Wednesday, the new board appointed him chairman. Trump’s new Kennedy Center board members include Usha Vance, second lady of the United States; Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff; Cheri Summerall, Wiles’s mother; Dan Scavino, White House deputy chief of staff for national security; Sergio Gor, White House director of presidential personnel; Allison Lutnick, wife of commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick; Pamela Gross, former White House adviser to the first lady; Patricia Duggan, major Trump donor; Emily May Fanjul, wife of sugar magnate and Trump donor Pepe Fanjul; Dana Blumberg, wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; and Mindy Levine.