• President Trump has been elected chairman of the Kennedy Center, marking a significant overhaul of the board.
• Multiple high-profile resignations have occurred, including artists Ben Folds and Renée Fleming, along with TV producer Shonda Rhimes.
• Trump aims to reshape programming away from what he labels 'woke culture' and intends to increase programming that appeals to a broader audience.

On Wednesday, the Kennedy Center's board unanimously voted to appoint President Trump as its new chairman. This decision reflects Trump's intent to make sweeping changes to the center’s operations, steering away from what he perceives as ‘woke culture’ embedded within its programming. The overhaul began last week when Trump announced his plans to replace current board members, signaling a distinct turn in the center's leadership.

Under this new administration, Trump has appointed several allies to the board, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, while also removing prominent Biden-era appointees. Trump expressed excitement about his new role in a post on Truth Social, stating, “It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!”

In the wake of Trump's ascension, numerous artistic leaders quickly announced their resignations. Musician Ben Folds and opera singer Renée Fleming stepped down from their roles as artistic advisors, while Shonda Rhimes resigned from the board following her service as treasurer. Rhimes noted in a statement, "Please be advised that as of today, Shonda Rhimes has resigned from the board of the Kennedy Center," reflecting the sentiment of many who find this new direction contrary to their values.

Trump’s move to become chair of the Kennedy Center is not just administrative; it aligns with a broader cultural battle he has been vocal about since his presidency. His discontent with the performance offerings, specifically those he termed "drag shows targeting our youth," illustrates his intention to shift the focus of the Kennedy Center away from topics he deems inappropriate. "We don’t need woke at the Kennedy Center," he stated recently, emphasizing that programming needs to resonate with a wider audience across political lines.

The changes initiated by Trump have raised questions about the artistic direction of the Kennedy Center, which has long been a symbol of cultural diplomacy and artistic expression in the United States. Critics, including artists and former board members, have expressed concern that the institution, which hosts over 2,000 performances annually, may lose its commitment to being a culturally inclusive space. Deborah Rutter, the center's recently ousted president, emphasized the importance of artistic expression in her farewell message to staff, reaffirming that “artistic expression must be nurtured, fostered, prioritized, and protected."

Historically, the Kennedy Center was designed to celebrate a variety of artistic expressions, which are now at risk of being overshadowed by political agendas. As Trump takes the helm, the cultural landscape within the Kennedy Center appears poised for transformation that may alienate its traditional supporters, leading to increased polarization in the arts.

As debates around funding and programmatic direction unfold, it will be essential to observe how the Kennedy Center balances its role as a national artistic hub while navigating the political tides introduced by the new leadership. For ongoing developments regarding the actions and implications of Trump’s leadership at the Kennedy Center, stay tuned to NPR and other news outlets.