On Monday, President Trump addressed members of the Kennedy Center Council.
During a meeting in the White House State Dining Room, the Kennedy Center revealed its theater season for 2025-2026. Despite facing criticism for certain changes, the Center had announced productions like “Chicago,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” and “Moulin Rouge!” It seems Trump was quite aware of the center’s activities.
“We’re going to do some great things, but the fundamentals are there,” Trump said to the board. “The location is fantastic. The significance of the building is remarkable. There are some really interesting plans in the works.”
“I’ve always thought they should create a beautiful performance venue, an outdoor space overlooking the Potomac,” he added. “But instead, they built these strange little rooms. They constructed three expensive, tiny stages. Eventually, I believe someone will take advantage of it.”
“We’re going to change that,” Trump asserted. “That’s what I enjoy doing: reversing things.”
Earlier this year, Trump announced plans to initiate and chair multiple members of the Kennedy Center board. He criticized the renowned arts institution for being overly “woke” and appointed Richard Grenell, his special mission envoy, as the interim executive director.
Trump has also brought on several of his political allies as board members, including Chief of Staff Susie Wills and Attorney General Pam Bondy, along with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, journalist Maria Bartiromo, and Senior White House aide Sergio Go.
At a meeting that evening, Bondi, Wills, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were present.
Trump expressed concerns that the Kennedy Center’s past programming was “out of control,” stating that he had witnessed a lot of “political propaganda” being showcased.
“Instead of programming that divides our nation, the Kennedy Center should be the premier venue to celebrate the best of America and showcase our art, theater, music, and culture,” Trump emphasized.
