Trump Leads First Kennedy Center Board Meeting After Leadership Overhaul

The president installed himself as chairman, replaced the board with loyalists, and pledged to reshape the institution's programming and direction.

Donald Trump made himself chairman of the Kennedy Center's board, ousting previous leadership and appointing allies, including Ric Grenell as interim president.
Trump criticized the center's programming as overly 'woke,' vowing to eliminate drag shows and other content he deemed inappropriate.
Several artists, including the cast of 'Hamilton' and Issa Rae, canceled performances in protest of Trump's takeover of the cultural institution.
The Kennedy Center faces financial challenges, with reports of no cash reserves and reliance on federal funding for 16% of its $268 million annual budget.
Vice President JD Vance was booed by concertgoers at a recent National Symphony Orchestra performance, highlighting tensions with the center's traditional audience.