The Kennedy Center is undergoing a major transformation as President Donald Trump takes control of the institution, removing leftist leadership and promising a return to traditional American culture. After personally touring the facility, Trump criticized its management and pledged to revamp both its physical condition and artistic direction.
Earlier this year, Trump reshaped the center’s leadership by dismissing multiple board members and appointing new figures aligned with his vision. His picks include Fox News hosts Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo, second lady Usha Vance and country singer Lee Greenwood. Richard Grenell was named interim executive director to oversee the transition.
🚨 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
Trump did not hold back in his criticism of the Kennedy Center’s condition, questioning why taxpayer money had been spent on unnecessary expansions while parts of the facility were in disrepair. He promised to work with Congress to ensure that renovations were done efficiently and that wasteful spending was eliminated.
His leadership changes have faced resistance from Hollywood figures who oppose his vision for the arts. Lin-Manuel Miranda withdrew Hamilton from the venue’s schedule, while Issa Rae canceled an upcoming performance. Drag performers who were set to appear at the Kennedy Center staged protests after their shows were cut.
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
Grenell has already started implementing changes, including plans for a major Christmas celebration that he says will reflect American traditions. “We will not allow the Kennedy Center to be an intolerant place,” he stated, making it clear that the institution will welcome perspectives that have long been sidelined.
Trump also criticized the high costs associated with basic operations at the venue. He pointed out that moving a piano for a performance would have cost $30,000 due to union-imposed fees, an example he said highlights the
