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Kennedy Center Faces Financial Turmoil and Backlash Under Trump Leadership

Donald Trump's self-appointment as chairman has led to disputed deficit claims, operational challenges, and donor withdrawals, raising concerns about the institution's future.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 17: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media alongside Richard Grenell, President of The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. After shunning the annual Kennedy Center Honors during his first term in the White House, Trump fired the center’s president, removed the bipartisan board of Biden appointees and named himself Chairman of the storied music, theater and dance institution. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Donald Trump appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center in February 2025, replacing leadership and implementing governance changes that have drawn widespread criticism.
  • CFO Donna Arduin claims the institution faces a $100 million deficit, but staffers and analysts dispute this figure, arguing it excludes key nonprofit revenue sources like donations and grants.
  • The Kennedy Center's FY23 financial statement reported a $6.5 million profit, with nearly half its revenue coming from contributions, casting doubt on the deficit claims.
  • Operational disruptions include over 20 event cancellations, delays in announcing the upcoming season, and declining donor support attributed to the new management's practices.
  • Experts warn that applying for-profit financial frameworks to nonprofit arts organizations misrepresents their financial health and undermines their mission-driven structure.