Now that President Trump is in charge, the Kennedy Center is in trouble because artists like Issa Rae and Low Cut Connie are leaving, along with key board members.
A promise made earlier this month was kept when President Trump fired 18 board members from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. They were replaced by a majority of Trump supporters who made him chairman “effective immediately” on Wednesday.
The changes have had a quick effect on people. Well-known singers have canceled shows, and some board members have quit in protest.
The rock and blues band Low Cut Connie from Philadelphia said Thursday that it was canceling a show that was supposed to happen on March 19.
Adam Weiner, the founder of the band, wrote on Instagram, “I was very excited to perform as part of this wonderful institution’s Social Impact series, which emphasizes community, joy, justice, and equity through the arts.” “I decided not to perform there after learning that this institution has been nonpartisan for 54 years is now run by President Trump and his administration.”
Issa Rae also canceled her sold-out show at the venue, An Evening With Issa Rae, when she found out about Trump’s new job.
“Unfortunately, because of what I see as an insult to the honor of an organization that has consistently honored artists from all walks of life and through all forms of art, I have decided to cancel my performance at this venue,” she wrote on Instagram.
As soon as Trump became chairman, musician Ben Folds quit his job as musical adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, where he had worked for many years. Soon, the famous singer Renée Fleming joined him. She had been working at the center as an artistic adviser in a general capacity.
“I’ve loved the support from both parties for this institution as a symbol of the best of American life,” Fleming said in a statement. “I hope the Kennedy Center continues to grow and serve the passionate and varied people who visit our nation’s capital and all over the country.”
The popular TV shows Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton were both produced by Shonda Rhimes. She was named chair of the Kennedy Center’s board by President Barack Obama. She quit just hours after Trump took over.
How Trump took over the Kennedy Center
Early in February, Trump said on Truth Social that he was going to “immediately terminate” board members picked by President Joe Biden because they “do not share” his vision. Then he replaced them with a list of White House staff, supporters, and people who worked in the administration. The new board made him chairman on Wednesday.
This amazing Board of Trustees makes it an even greater honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, Trump said in a statement. “We are going to make The Kennedy Center a very cool and unique spot!”
The new board members for Trump’s Kennedy Center are:
- Usha Vance is the second lady of the United States.
- White House chief of staff Susie Wiles
- Wiles’ mother, Cheri Summerall
- Dan Scavino is the deputy chief of staff for national security at the White House.
- Sergio Gor is the head of presidential personnel at the White House.
- Allison Lutnick is married to Howard Lutnick, who is running for commerce secretary.
- Pamela Gross used to work as an adviser to the first lady in the White House.
- A big donor to Trump is Patricia Duggan.
- This is Emily May Fanjul, who is married to sugar baron and Trump supporter Pepe Fanjul.
- Dana Blumberg is married to Robert Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots.
- Randy Levine, president of the New York Yankees, is married to Mindy Levine.
Trump’s choice of Richard Grenell, who used to be his ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence, as interim president of the Kennedy Center may have been the most shocking move. Grenell replaced Deborah Rutter, who had been president of the Kennedy Center for a long time, months before she was supposed to leave.
The New York Times says that the Kennedy Center board has always had an equal number of Republican and Democratic members. Board members usually have six-year terms, and it’s not common for a new president to fire all of their nominees at once.
Also Read: ‘stunning Freudian Slip’: Trump’s Angry Response to Bullies Causes an Epic ‘self Own’
Sources told CBS News that Trump’s supporters are likely to change the Kennedy Center’s programs to reflect the president’s views and stay away from what he calls “woke culture.” The Kennedy Center has already taken down from its website a show for LGBTQ Pride in May.
What do you say about this story? Visit Parhlo World For more.
