Trump Reshapes Kennedy Center with Controversial New Appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump announced the latest appointments to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts board, naming Fox News hosts Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo on Friday night. This move comes as part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape the institution’s governance and reflects his intent to align it with conservative values.

Trump shared his announcement on Truth Social, stating, “We look forward to restoring the Center to Greatness, and ushering in America’s Golden Age.” The new board composition has raised concerns among artists, prompting some to withdraw their participation from the Kennedy Center.

Notably, the creators of the acclaimed Broadway musical “Hamilton” recently declared they would be pulling the show from the Kennedy Center in 2026, citing Trump’s transformations as a primary reason. This decision has sparked criticism from the center’s interim president.

The appointments of Ingraham and Bartiromo represent the culmination of Trump’s effort to replace the traditionally bipartisan board with a distinctly conservative one. The new lineup also includes Usha Vance, the second lady; White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and her mother, Cheri Summerall; and other notable right-wing figures.

Ingraham is known for her program, “The Ingraham Angle,” where she has vigorously promoted unfounded claims about multiple topics during her tenure. Bartiromo, recognized for her soft interviews with Trump, has faced scrutiny for her role in defamation lawsuits against Fox News due to her promotion of misinformation.

The lack of diversity on the board has also come under fire, with critics noting that no members of the board are Black. Observers worry that the appointments signal a shift away from a commitment to represent a broad spectrum of American society.

Prominent figures in the cultural realm have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of the Kennedy Center. Whoopi Goldberg stated she would not perform there until Trump is no longer in office, and industry insiders fear that the artistic integrity of the institution is at risk.

In response to the “Hamilton” departure, Trump reportedly proposed a new musical titled “Burr,” featuring rock musician Ted Nugent as Aaron Burr. Critically, Trump dismissed “Hamilton” as a commercial failure, saying, “It was an unsuccessful musical that no one wanted tickets for.”

As Trump continues to exert control over the Kennedy Center, many are left to ponder the implications of his influence on American arts and culture. The reshaping of the Kennedy Center may have lasting effects on how performers and productions interact with one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural institutions.