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.

• 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.

3 Articles

Raw Story The Daily Beast Washington Post