Former President Donald Trump has taken control of the Kennedy Center as the new chairman of the Board of Trustees, implementing significant organizational changes at the prestigious Washington D.C. performing arts venue.

Trump announced his "unanimous" election to the board on Truth Social, promising to "make the Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place." His first actions included:

• Dismissing 18 Biden-appointed board members, including former chairman David Rubenstein and president Deborah Rutter
• Appointing Richard Grenell as interim executive director
• Installing new board members including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Second Lady Usha Vance

Several high-profile resignations followed the leadership change:

• Shonda Rhimes, Obama-appointed treasurer
• Renée Fleming, artistic advisor
• Ben Folds, artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra

Artist Issa Rae canceled her sold-out "An Evening with Issa Rae" event, citing concerns about "infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds."

The Kennedy Center, which hosts approximately 2,000 performances and welcomes 2 million visitors annually, faces an uncertain future under its new leadership as the institution adapts to these sweeping changes.

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