𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗗𝗬 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥, 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗, 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡

 by Samantha Gilstrap, WUSA9

WASHINGTON — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is facing a mass exodus of artists, board members, and scheduled performances after former President Donald Trump took over the institution, ousting its bipartisan Board of Trustees and appointing himself as chairman.

In a Truth Social post, Trump declared he would “make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN” by terminating the Board of Trustees and appointing himself as chairman. His decision led to the removal of key figures, including David Rubenstein, Deborah Rutter, and members appointed by former President Joe Biden.

The Kennedy Center, the nation’s cultural hub in Washington, D.C., was designated by President Lyndon B. Johnson as a memorial to John F. Kennedy following his assassination. The institution has long been a home of free artistic expression, but Trump's takeover has sparked significant backlash.

One of the first high-profile resignations came from TV producer Shonda Rhimes, who stepped down as the board's treasurer. She later shared an article headline on Instagram linking her resignation to Trump’s new leadership.

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The controversy has also led to the cancellation of performances. The creators of the children’s musical "Finn" announced on Instagram that their Kennedy Center tour has been canceled, citing “this administration’s desire to silence us.” They added, “We will not abandon the kids we wrote this show for. They are already under attack from every side.”

According to the Kennedy Center’s website, "Finn" is about a “young shark who just wants to be his true self,” embracing sparkles and bright colors despite societal expectations. The show has been interpreted as a reflection of the LGBTQ experience, though it does not explicitly reference the community. The creators defended the show’s “universal message of love and acceptance."

Similarly, actress and writer Issa Rae canceled her sold-out event, "An Evening With Issa Rae," stating that the new leadership represents an “infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds.”

The backlash extended to the music industry as well. Philadelphia-based rock and soul band Low Cut Connie announced on Thursday that they were canceling their March 19 performance at the Kennedy Center.

Musician Ben Folds also resigned from his role as an artistic advisor, stating in a Facebook post that the recent “developments” at the Kennedy Center are “not for me.”

Acclaimed singer Renée Fleming followed suit, resigning from her position as an artistic advisor. In her statement, she expressed gratitude to former chairman David Rubenstein and praised the “bipartisan support for this institution,” notably avoiding any mention of Trump.Meanwhile, public The The outrage has reached the streets of D.C., with residents protesting outside the Kennedy Center on Thursday. Many fear the direction the institution is taking under Trump’s leadership and worry that artistic freedom is under threat.

                                      

As more artists and performers reconsider their ties to the Kennedy Center, the institution faces an uncertain future, with its reputation as a home for diverse and inclusive artistic expression now in question.