Trump Vows Overhaul at Kennedy Center Following Board Meeting

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump expressed a commitment to revitalizing the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during a board meeting Monday, highlighting recent changes to the center’s leadership and his vision for the future of American arts.

Originally scheduled for a brief visit, Trump’s participation in the board meeting comes on the heels of a controversial overhaul he initiated at the cultural institution. Addressing reporters ahead of the meeting, he criticized the center’s condition, stating it is in "tremendous disrepair" and emphasized its significance to Washington, D.C., and the nation.

"The Kennedy Center represents a very important part of D.C. and actually our country," Trump said. He specifically pointed to concerns about the recent expansion known as “The Reach,” suggesting that the spaces should either be modified or closed due to a lack of windows.

During the meeting, Trump outlined plans to "improve very greatly" the center, promising future artistic programming that includes "really good shows" aimed at drawing audience interest. "The thing that does well are Broadway hits," he remarked.

However, the president’s remarks have raised eyebrows among artists associated with the Kennedy Center, with some canceling performances in response to his comments. This includes producers of the popular Broadway production "Hamilton." Trump candidly shared his overall disinterest in the show, stating, "I was never a big fan, I never liked ‘Hamilton’ very much.”

Trump also voiced concerns regarding operational expenses at the center, specifically citing a $30,000 cost to relocate a piano for a scheduled performance by musician Lee Greenwood at the first board meeting he chaired. These comments reflect his frustrations with both financial management and institutional operations.

Since taking on the role of chairman in February, Trump has appointed his envoy for special missions as the interim executive director of the Kennedy Center. His board includes high-profile figures such as Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and media personalities Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo.

In a briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt elaborated on Trump’s objectives for the Kennedy Center, stating that the president’s intention is to restore and promote American arts and culture. She noted, "The president will be doing a tour of the center in his business developer mind, I’m sure he will make some recommendations on how the center itself can be improved, but also will be discussing perhaps some future plays and musicals and theatrical programs that the center will be hosting under his new leadership."

The meeting marked an important step in Trump’s approach to cultural institutions as he seeks to leave a distinct mark on their management and operation.