A wave of departures has hit the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts following President Donald Trump’s appointment as chairman. The leadership transition, which included the removal of Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter and her replacement with former Trump administration official Ric Grenell, has sparked concerns about the institution’s future direction. Trump succeeds David Rubenstein as chairman.
Among the most notable departures is renowned soprano Renée Fleming, who had served as an Artistic Advisor at Large. Fleming announced her resignation in response to the leadership changes, joining other prominent artists such as television producer Shonda Rhimes and musician Ben Folds in stepping away from the institution.
Fleming shared a statement on her Instagram account regarding her decision:
“It has been a privilege to serve as an Artistic Advisor at Large to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. David Rubenstein’s leadership as chairman is just one of the many ways he has contributed to America’s cultural and historic heritage. He is the greatest patriot I know.
As president of the Kennedy Center, Deborah Rutter has been a tireless, creative leader, successfully expanding our National Center for the Arts in visionary ways.
They have both been an inspiration to me, and out of respect, I think it right to depart as well.
I’ve treasured the bipartisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best. I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country.”
The changes at the Kennedy Center have also led to a shift in the board’s composition. Several members, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, have been removed, with Trump appointing allies in their place. Shortly after these changes, the new board elected Trump as chairman.
Trump commented on his appointment, stating, “It is a great honor to be chairman of the Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make the Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!” He further explained that some previous board members did not align with his vision for what he described as a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”
He also criticized past programming choices, stating on Truth Social, “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured drag shows specifically targeting our youth — this will stop.” He further added, “I’m going to be chairman of it, and we’re going to make sure that it’s good and it’s not going to be woke.”
