President Donald Trump has announced his intention to take control of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a move that demonstrates an unexpected turn in America's cultural landscape. In this new era under Trump, the decision was perhaps inevitable, as he aims to transform this singular cultural institution to match his own tastes and urges.
On social media, Trump declared, "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." He plans to appoint a new board with an "amazing Chairman," though he won’t serve in that role himself.
This decision suggests Trump's intention to oversee the Kennedy Center's performances, ensuring they align with his definition of patriotism and his ratings-driven instincts. The transformation aims to create a meritocracy based on Trump's personal standards of greatness.
Trump's ambitions go beyond governmental bureaucracy; he aims to redefine what the arts mean to the American people. He has already replaced board members appointed by President Joe Biden and appointed his ally Richard Grenell as interim executive director. Trump argues that the Kennedy Center is poorly run and criticizes its shows for being too "woke."
The term "woke," often a point of contention, has been central to Trump's critique, particularly in reference to drag shows that he believes don't align with his vision for the center.
Despite his plans, Trump has never attended a Kennedy Center performance. During his first term, which coincided with the center’s 2017-2018 season, he did not attend any events, including performances by the National Symphony Orchestra or productions like "Hamilton" and "The Book of Mormon." His disinterest extended to skipping the traditional Kennedy Center Honors, where honorees are celebrated for their contributions to the arts.
The arts hold the power to encourage broad thinking, innovation, and expression. They allow people to explore commonalities and differences, and often remind us of human fallibility. However, Trump seems focused solely on the notion of greatness, dismissing the arts' ability to convey vulnerability.
Trump's recent actions, including influencing the National Endowment for the Arts to cut grants for underserved communities, suggest a dichotomy between inclusivity and patriotism in his view.
Trump's actions also extend to other institutions, such as purging diversity references from the Smithsonian and challenging the National Gallery of Art on inclusivity. His architectural preferences also reflect his desire for grandeur, potentially making citizens feel small in comparison.
Unlike policy changes or grant adjustments, Trump's move against the Kennedy Center seems driven by an aversion to the idea of art that he hasn't personally experienced. His efforts may signify a broader cultural shift, challenging the way Americans perceive themselves and their place in the country.
