Overview

• Michael Feinstein criticized the Kennedy Center's cancellation of Pride Month and WorldPride events, calling it a case of 'government-sanctioned censorship' targeting LGBTQ+ content.
• Donald Trump, after firing half the Kennedy Center board in February, appointed himself chairman and pledged to eliminate 'woke' programming, including drag shows and LGBTQ+ celebrations.
• High-profile resignations, including Shonda Rhimes from the board and Issa Rae canceling a scheduled performance, highlight artist protests against the Center's new direction.
• The Trump administration recently terminated grants for PBS and NPR, raising broader concerns about federal influence and reduced government support for the arts.
• The cancellations have disrupted major LGBTQ+ cultural events and drawn comparisons to historical instances of ideological control over cultural institutions.