President Donald Trump’s appointment as chairman of the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has caused a wave of resignations from Hollywood entertainers who were previously on the institution’s board of trustees. Trump’s decision to replace multiple members of the board prompted these resignations, including musician Ben Folds stepping down as artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra after 8 years.
Television writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, known for popular shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” also resigned from the board, quoting former President John F. Kennedy in an Instagram post about the importance of allowing artists to freely express their visions.
In addition to the resignations, Trump fired Deborah Rutter, the president of the Kennedy Center, and appointed former Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell as interim executive director. Trump explained that he had not previously visited the center because there was nothing he wanted to see, but that changes were underway to ensure the institution was not “woke.”
Trump was unanimously elected as board chairman, and among the new board members is Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance. The Kennedy Center sees approximately 2 million visitors annually and hosts a wide range of performances in various genres. Board members serve six-year terms, and the recent changes reflect a shift in leadership at the prestigious cultural hub.
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