The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, an elegant theatre located in Washington D.C. on the banks of the Potomac River, is undergoing significant changes this year as President Donald Trump takes on the role of center chairman. Established in 1971, the Kennedy Center has brought countless audience members to its prestigious venue for an abundance of art forms, ranging from classical ballet, the National Symphony Orchestra, musical theatre, and more. Trump’s plans as sole chairman will throw the performing art center’s 54 years of rich history into jeopardy as he has indicated major shifts in what will be allowed to take its stages.

Upon his self-appointment to the position of Chairman, Trump removed previous board members to appoint his own set of names, abolishing the bipartisan tradition. Trump’s selections to the board include Fox News host Laura Ingraham and anchor Maria Bartiromo, which further add to the potential bias and conservatism brought in Trump also fired Deborah Rutter, who had been president for a decade. He appointed Richard Grenell, the presidential envoy for special missions, as the interim executive director.  “Ric shares my Vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture, and will be overseeing the daily operations of the Center,” declared Trump in a social media post discussing his reasoning behind the move.

Trump has never seen any shows at the Kennedy Center, but among his visions for its future are making performances less “woke” and ridding it of any “anti-American propaganda.” He has not attended the Kennedy Center Honors either, a celebration recognizing top musical and performing artists for their career accomplishments. In the past, it’s been common courtesy for presidents to attend, but it’s speculated Trump avoided the prestigious awards each year of his first presidency after honoree Norman Lear’s threat of not going in 2017 if Trump would be attending.

Many patrons and artists alike worry over what this change in direction means for the future. Trump has suggested he wants to get rid of performances that he deems detrimental to viewers. These include shows with LGBTQ+ themes, apparently a reference to “Dragtastic Dress-Up” which debuted last year. Trump has stated that he wants to make the Kennedy Center more appealing to a broader audience by paying homage to the history of America in the shows he brings in. With more than 2,000 events offered to the community each year, Grenell has indicated that Washingtonians can expect more country music featured in the upcoming season.

Patrons and artists are grappling with whether they should cancel their memberships and shows out of protest. People feel as though the new politics surrounding the Kennedy Center no longer align with their ethical beliefs, and want no part in Trump’s “Golden Age.” Ticket sales and donations have reportedly dropped considerably since Trump announced his takeover. Several artists have already cancelled or relocated, notably Broadyway’s Hamilton that was set to return to the stage in 2026.