Donald Trump Says He Will Fire Kennedy Center Board, Name Himself Chairman

President Donald Trump has declared his intention to take over the leadership of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. D.C.

After The Atlantic first reported the news, Trump confirmed his plans in a Friday evening Truth Social post, writing, “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.”

Trump went on to declare that he would instate himself as chairman of the newly-formed board. “We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!” Current chairman David Rubenstein was set to hold the position through 2026.

Trump went on to attack drag programming mounted at the performing arts center, adding, “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

Drag shows put on at the Kennedy Center in 2024 included “Broadway Drag Brunch” and “Dancing Queens Drag Brunch” on the venue’s Roof Terrace Restaurant, “A Drag Salute to Divas” on the South Millennium Stage, “Bertha: Grateful Drag” in the Terrace Theater and “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” in the Family Theater.

It is not yet clear if Trump’s plan is within his authority. Reps for Rubenstein, who is co-founder and co-chairman of private equity giant Carlyle, did not immediately return a request for comment.