Trump Appoints Himself Chairman of Kennedy Center, Targets Drag Shows
In a surprising move, President Trump has announced his intention to take over as chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees and has vowed to end drag performances at the institution, marking a significant shift in cultural policy.
President Trump has declared his intention to become the chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a move that has sparked controversy and debate about the role of the federal government in cultural institutions. In a statement on his social media platform, Trump announced the immediate termination of multiple board members, including the current chairman, David Rubenstein, and indicated that he would be dictating programming decisions at the center.
One of the first changes Trump plans to implement is the cessation of drag performances at the Kennedy Center, specifically citing events that he claims targeted youth. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from drag artists and advocates for free expression, who argue that banning an art form constitutes censorship.
The Kennedy Center, in response to Trump’s announcement, stated that it has received no official communications from the White House regarding changes to its board of trustees. The institution’s governance, established by Congress in 1958, allows for the appointment of the chair by the board members themselves, raising questions about the legality of Trump’s proposed takeover.
Trump’s move to control the Kennedy Center and its programming is part of a broader effort to reshape cultural institutions in line with his administration’s vision. This latest development underscores the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and political influence in the United States.