Trump’s Leadership Overhaul at Kennedy Center Triggers Artist Cancellations and Staff Concerns

The unprecedented move to appoint Donald Trump as chairman and restructure the board has led to program cancellations, resignations, and fears of political influence on the arts.

• Donald Trump has appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center's board, replacing all Biden-appointed trustees with Trump allies in an unprecedented move for the institution.
• Issa Rae canceled her sold-out show at the Kennedy Center, citing concerns over the institution’s values under the new leadership, with other artists and advisers stepping down in protest.
• Multiple programs, including a children’s musical and an LGBTQ+ celebration concert, have been canceled or removed, raising accusations of political interference and viewpoint suppression.
• Staff at the Kennedy Center have described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, as key personnel were terminated and programming changes were promised by the new leadership.
• Critics have drawn comparisons to authoritarian regimes’ control over cultural institutions, while some supporters welcome a shift toward more populist programming.

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