President Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Friday evening regarding the Kennedy Center, unveiling a bold plan to overhaul the existing board of trustees and remove its current chairman, David Rubenstein, a prominent philanthropist. Trump declared his intention to assume the role of chairman himself, emphasizing his goal to revitalize the cultural institution located in Washington D.C.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump expressed his determination to 'make the Kennedy Center GREAT AGAIN,' citing a divergence in vision between himself and Rubenstein and the board. The specifics of who will be affected by this decision were not immediately disclosed, as presidents appoint members to the board over time.
Since assuming office, Trump has been actively reshaping the exercise of executive power, with this move standing out as a direct and personal act of retribution against perceived political adversaries. Rubenstein, a close associate of former President Joe Biden, found himself at the center of this strategic maneuver.
Trump's intervention also delved into the realm of cultural discourse, as he criticized the Kennedy Center's programming, including past drag shows, in his announcement. Efforts to obtain comments from the Kennedy Center and board members appointed by Democratic presidents are currently underway, with responses pending.
Notable figures appointed by Trump to the board include Lee Greenwood, Paolo Zampolli, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The recent departure of Deborah Rutter as the Kennedy Center's president has prompted the board to initiate a search for her successor, a decision that now appears to rest with the president.
