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Former President Donald Trump’s recent moves in Washington have sent ripples through the arts community nationwide. His latest decision involves the termination of multiple members from the Kennedy Center’s Board of Directors, a development that marks a significant shift in the leadership of this prestigious institution. Reports indicate that prominent Democrats such as Mike Donilon, Karine Jean-Pierre, and Chris Korge will be dismissed. Furthermore, Trump has declared his intent to appoint himself as the chairman of the board.
**UPDATE** In response to the speculation surrounding the Board of Directors, the Kennedy Center has issued an official statement:
A Statement From the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout its existence, the Kennedy Center has benefitted from strong support across the political spectrum, engaging with members of Congress from both sides—Republicans and Democrats—as well as Independents. Since opening in 1971, the Center has maintained a collaborative relationship with each presidential administration. Its board of trustees has historically reflected a bipartisan approach to supporting the arts.
While the Kennedy Center is a living memorial to President Kennedy, it also operates as a distinctive public-private partnership. Federal funding covers about 16% of its total operating budget for the maintenance of its facilities as a federal memorial, while artistic programming is primarily funded through ticket sales, donations, rental income, and other revenue sources.
The Center is aware of recent posts made by the President on social media. However, no formal communication has been received from the White House regarding alterations to the board of trustees. We have noted that several board members have received termination notifications from the administration.
According to the governance structure established by Congress in 1958, the chair of the board of trustees is elected by board members themselves. Though there is no statutory prohibition against replacing board members with the arrival of a new administration, this would be a historic first concerning the Kennedy Center’s board.
This announcement follows the resignation of Deborah F. Rutter as president of the Kennedy Center, a move that comes as the institution braces for challenges tied to Trump’s second term, specifically potential shifts in federal arts policy.
Rutter’s exit aligns with broader changes occurring in federal arts policy in the wake of the new administration. Notably, the National Gallery of Art recently disclosed its intention to halt diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in response to an executive order. Although the Kennedy Center does not have a formal DEI initiative, it has committed to principles of diversity and accessibility and is reassessing its language and policies in light of the new directive.
Rutter remarks on the unifying potential of the arts in a divided society, expressing that, “The arts can and should be a unifying aspect of our society,” in an interview with the New York Times. She emphasized the Center’s responsibility to bridge divides and foster connections among diverse communities.
These developments come amid the National Endowment for the Arts’ announcement of significant alterations to its grant guidelines for 2026, along with Trump’s decision to disband the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts serves as a significant cultural institution, paying tribute to President John F. Kennedy while also drawing millions to its extensive array of performances and exhibits each year. With affiliations that include the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the Kennedy Center stands as a leading venue for the performing arts. The Center is dedicated to fostering accessibility and inclusion within its artistic programming, offering over 400 free performances annually as well as Specially Priced Ticket programs aimed at students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In September 2019, the Kennedy Center marked a major milestone with the opening of the REACH—a new expansion designed by Steven Holl Associates that enhances visitor engagement and interaction. Additionally, in September 2022, it launched Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy, a comprehensive exhibit that explores Kennedy’s legacy and his advocacy for the arts.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com