On March 17, 2025, United States President Donald Trump will be heading to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to attend the board meeting of the institution. This marks his first formal meeting since taking over the institution and becoming its chairman.
Since his inauguration on January 20th, Trump has made significant adjustments to domestic and foreign policies, including reforms within the Kennedy Center. Last month, after becoming the chairman of the institution, Trump promptly dismissed the long-time chairman Deborah Rutter and appointed former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as the interim executive director.
Following a weekend vacation in Florida, Trump, on his return to Washington aboard Air Force One, told reporters, “We need to straighten out this institution.” He criticized the Kennedy Center for long being supported by both parties but in need of reform in its operations.
As per the White House’s schedule, Trump is expected to visit the Kennedy Center at 3 p.m. ET on Monday and preside over the board meeting.
In early February, Trump announced the dismissal of several board members and appointed a new set of members. Recently, Trump has been designating a new batch of board members, including Fox News host Laura Ingraham and Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo.
Trump has made it clear that in the future, drag shows or any form of “anti-American propaganda” will no longer be allowed to perform at the Kennedy Center.
The production team behind the popular Broadway musical “Hamilton” recently announced the cancellation of the scheduled third round of performances at the Kennedy Center in 2026.
In response, Grenell stated, “This is just a stunt that will backfire in the end.” He further criticized the show’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. “Art should belong to everyone, not just cater to specific groups,” Grenell said.