The Kennedy Center is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades as President Donald Trump moves to undo years of leftist programming and mismanagement. Touring the facility after appointing new leadership, Trump made it clear that the changes will reflect his broader vision for the country.
Trump’s restructuring began in February when he fired several board members and replaced them with allies who share his commitment to reviving the arts without political bias. Among those appointed are Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo and country star Lee Greenwood. He also named Richard Grenell as interim executive director.
🚨 JUST IN: Trump is at the Kennedy Center for the board meeting and a tour. He is totally overhauling it.
He says they wanted to charge Lee Greenwood $30,000 just to sing there. Trump also says he is going to get with Speaker Johnson to fix its architecture.
"We're here to… pic.twitter.com/n3jGPcIHSV
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 17, 2025
The president did not hold back in his critique of the facility’s management. Despite a $250 million expansion, Trump pointed out that parts of the building were in disrepair and that some of the construction projects were unnecessary. “We’re going to fix it up,” he stated, promising that changes would be made.
Grenell has already begun reshaping the center’s programming. He announced a large Christmas celebration and emphasized that the Kennedy Center would no longer be a platform for left-wing activism. “We will not allow the Kennedy Center to be an intolerant place,” he said, addressing the backlash from leftist performers.
Trump is de nieuwe baas van het Kennedy Center in Washington DC, het nationale centrum voor uitvoerende kunst.
Natuurlijk wil hij het gaan verbouwen zodat het meer lijkt op zijn Mar-a-Lago. MT en bestuur bestaat nu uit MAGA.
Ondertussen lopen artiesten, donoren en publiek weg. https://t.co/YLAl6yBSG1— Walter van der Cruijsen (@wltrrr) March 18, 2025
Hollywood figures quickly protested the changes. Lin-Manuel Miranda canceled a planned run of Hamilton, and actress Issa Rae backed out of an event. Drag performers whose shows were canceled have protested outside the venue, accusing Trump of erasing their presence.
Trump also pointed to excessive spending and inefficiencies at the center. He cited the fact that moving a single piano for Greenwood’s performance would have cost $30,000 due to union rules, highlighting the need for financial reforms.
Despite opposition, Trump remains committed to restoring the Kennedy Center as a premier arts institution that reflects American values. With new leadership in place, the center is set to undergo a transformation that will prioritize tradition, excellence and cultural heritage.
