John Lithgow Condemns Trump’s Kennedy Center Takeover as 'Disaster' for US Arts

Speaking at the Olivier Awards, Lithgow criticized the Trump administration’s actions at the Kennedy Center while expressing hope for artistic resilience in challenging times.

• John Lithgow, accepting the best actor award at the Olivier Awards in London, called Donald Trump’s second presidency a 'pure disaster' for the arts in the United States.
• Lithgow specifically criticized the Trump administration’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, including the firing of Deborah Rutter and the appointment of loyalist Ric Grenell as interim leader.
• The actor highlighted the fragile state of US arts, already weakened by the coronavirus pandemic, and said current policies are exacerbating the crisis.
• Despite his criticisms, Lithgow expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that difficult times can inspire meaningful artistic creation.
• Lithgow’s comments reflect broader concerns about political interference in cultural institutions and its impact on the US arts landscape.

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