Kennedy Center Faces Fallout as Ticket Sales Halve After Trump Takeover

Artists cancel performances and audiences retreat following Donald Trump's leadership overhaul at the iconic arts venue.

Donald Trump installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center, replacing board members and leadership, including former president Deborah F. Rutter.
Ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have dropped approximately 50% within a week of Trump's takeover, according to staff reports.
Several artists, including Issa Rae and Louise Penny, have canceled planned performances in protest of the leadership changes.
Some performers, such as W. Kamau Bell and soprano Karen Slack, have chosen to proceed with their events, framing their participation as a form of resistance.
The new leadership, led by interim president Richard Grenell, has signaled plans to reshape the Kennedy Center's programming to align with conservative values.