The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts appears to be undergoing a dramatic transformation as Donald Trump asserts control, purging board members and reshaping its future direction. The once left-leaning institution, which had been promoting progressive programming in recent years, seems to be scrubbing some of its more overtly political content from its website in what looks like a rapid course correction.
Trump’s move to take control of Washington’s premier arts institution is part of his broader effort to challenge what he sees as the encroachment of leftist ideology into cultural institutions.
By dismissing board members before the expiration of their six-year terms, he has sent a clear message that the Kennedy Center’s leadership will be aligned with his vision moving forward. The president himself has declared that he will assume the role of chairman, ensuring that future programming better reflects his stance on arts and culture.
The most immediate sign of change has been the sudden disappearance of promotional content for certain performances that had previously been featured prominently on the Kennedy Center’s website. Among them was the 2022 production of 1776, a musical that reimagined the Founding Fathers as a cast of racially diverse actors who identify as female, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming. The musical had been promoted as a bold reimagining of history, but it now appears to have been quietly erased from the Kennedy Center’s archives.
Another vanished event is the “Dancing Queens Drag Brunch,” a high-profile rooftop celebration that featured drag performances and a lavish dining experience. Advertised as a vibrant celebration of disco and drag, it was part of a broader trend of drag-focused programming in arts institutions nationwide. The Kennedy Center had previously promoted the event on its website and social media, but it has since disappeared without explanation.
One piece of programming that remains visible is Oh God, A Show About Abortion, a comedy show by Alison Leiby that candidly explores abortion and reproductive rights. The show’s presence suggests that while the Kennedy Center may be shifting its public-facing priorities, some content still remains untouched—for now.
Trump has been vocal about his plans for the Kennedy Center, making his intentions clear on Truth Social as early as February 7. In a pointed statement, he announced that he would be replacing board members who did not align with his vision, declaring:
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
Trump further denounced the Kennedy Center’s previous programming choices, particularly its embrace of drag shows. He emphasized that the venue must reflect “the brightest STARS” from across America, promising that “THE BEST IS YET TO COME.”
