President Donald Trump has taken over the prestigious Kennedy Center, sparking fears among artists, patrons, and critics that the institution will undergo a drastic transformation under his leadership. Just days after announcing his plan to purge the board of Biden appointees and install himself as chairman, Trump has set the tone for what he considers “anti-American propaganda” – including drag performances and LGBTQ+ issues.
Audiences at Thursday night’s performances were largely unaware of the controversy brewing outside, but many took to social media to express their concerns. Comedian W. Kamau Bell joked about the need to boycott the center during his set, while others fretted about whether they would continue to attend events under Trump’s leadership.
Artists and performers have already begun to cancel shows in response to Trump’s comments, with some fearing that their work will be censored or disapproved of by the new management. The real estate investment banker Wayne Koonce expressed concerns about the potential impact on the institution’s cultural programming, suggesting that it may shift towards more conservative or traditional themes.
Despite this, not everyone is concerned about the changes. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha appear to be enthusiastic supporters of the Kennedy Center’s programming, which has included productions with a contemporary lens that some have deemed “wokey.” The couple attended a recent performance of “Jungle Book” and even met with the performers backstage.
As Trump continues to consolidate power and shape the cultural landscape in Washington, concerns about censorship and artistic freedom are on the rise. While some see this as a low-stakes battle compared to other issues facing the city, others believe that the Kennedy Center’s takeover represents a broader threat to democratic values and institutions.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/arts/music/kennedy-center-donald-trump.html