The Kennedy Center, a cultural beacon of Washington D.C., has faced unprecedented upheaval under President Donald Trump’s administration. The saga began in August 2017 when television producer Norman Lear declined to attend a White House reception for the Kennedy Center Honors. Dancer and choreographer Carmen de Lavallade followed suit after Trump’s controversial remarks about the Charlottesville white supremacist rally.

President Trump, who skipped the awards ceremony for four consecutive years, retaliated last week by purging the Kennedy Center’s bipartisan board of appointees made by former President Joe Biden. He also dismissed the center’s president and took over as the new chairman.

The future of an institution that has offered a diverse array of events for over 50 years is now under question. Will the Kennedy Center, previously known for its broad range of performances from Wagner’s Ring cycle to “Sesame Street: The Musical,” shift its focus towards aligning more closely with Trump’s vision?

Experts and observers predict that the Kennedy Center may feature more country music in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. Lee Greenwood, a country music artist and Trump supporter, is already on the board, further indicating a likely shift towards more conservative programming.

Conservatives are celebrating the takeover as an extension of Trump’s influence over Washington’s cultural landscape. Stephen Bannon, a longtime Trump adviser, envisioned an opening night performance by the J6 Prison Choir, made up of men pardoned by Trump for their role in the Capitol assault, as a testament to the president’s authority.

Richard Grenell, Trump’s interim president at the Kennedy Center, previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany. Known for his acerbic public comments, Grenell had yet to provide details about his plans for the center at the time of the announcement. His tenure as president may be brief; he disclosed he was considering a 2026 gubernatorial run in California if Kamala Harris enters the race.

Trump’s Motivation: Reshaping Artistic Priorities

Trump’s stated reason for the takeover was the elimination of drag shows at the center, which he claimed targeted young people. The center had hosted a drag-themed show called “Dragtastic Dress-up,” aimed at LGBTQ+ youth, according to marketing materials. However, Trump admitted he had not seen any performances there himself.

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that the Kennedy Center had learned the “hard way that if you go woke, you will go broke.” The center faced a $1 million deficit on a $268 million budget the previous year.

The new administration aims to rebuild a center that “all Americans, and visitors from around the world, can enjoy,” rooted in America’s historical and traditional values.

Financial sustainability remains a significant concern. Federal aid covered $43 million of the center’s budget, while $225 million depended on ticket sales and donations. The transition of leadership and potential shift in programming could impact the center’s financial health and donor base.

Jeffrey Rubenstein, a billionaire investor who had a relatively amicable relationship with Trump, was unexpectedly removed from the board. Rubenstein praised the center and its staff for their dedication to the arts.

Dedicated as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Center was established in 1963 after his assassination and officially opened in 1971. The center has long strived to offer a wide range of performances,吸引了 audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Despite criticisms that it could be a “marble mausoleum of highbrow art,” the Kennedy Center has evolved and expanded its offerings. Renowned performances, including operas and ballets, have been complemented by popular shows like “The King and I,” “Into the Woods,” and country music festivals.

Host to the Kennedy Center Honors since 1978, the center has celebrated extraordinary achievements in the arts, from George Balanchine to Dolly Parton, symbolizing its commitment to diverse artistic expression.

The Fallout: High-Times and Hasty Departures

In the wake of Trump’s takeover, many key figures associated with the Kennedy Center have resigned in protest. Renée Fleming, one of the world’s most renowned sopranos, stepped down as an artistic adviser. Shonda Rhimes, a prominent television writer and producer, also left her role as the board’s treasurer.

The board’s composition reflects recent political transitions. While previous appointments were largely bipartisan, Trump’s new board includes multiple loyalists, including Cheri Summerall, Susie Wiles, and Dan Scavino.

The Kennedy Center’s future remains uncertain. While Trump heralds a new era, many within the arts community express concern about the potential loss of artistic diversity and financial stability. The center must navigate this transition carefully to uphold its legacy as a pillar of cultural excellence.