Trump puts Richard Grenell in charge of Kennedy Center after takeover

By 
 February 12, 2025

President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will put longtime ally Richard Grenell in charge of the Kennedy Center after taking it over to get rid of "anti-American" propaganda.

“Ric shares my Vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture, and will be overseeing the daily operations of the Center,” Trump wrote. He went on to boast his new plans for the facility by writing, “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST. RIC, WELCOME TO SHOW BUSINESS!”

Grenell served as ambassador to Germany during Trump's first term. He was also briefly acting DNI head.

Trump announced his plans to take over the Kennedy Center on February 7. He got rid of several board members appointed by Trump, including  former Biden press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and former senior advisor Mike Donilon.

Drag shows to stop

“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP,” Trump wrote Feb. 7 on Truth Social.

“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!”

The Kennedy Center reacted to the threats by scrubbing information about some of its past performances, such as the drag shows, from its website.

Grenell was the first openly gay Republican cabinet official, but he affirms conservative values and is closely allied with Trump.

Replacements

Trump replaced David M. Rubenstein as chairman of the Kennedy Center on Wednesday and terminated Deborah F. Rutter’s contract as president, installing Grenell in her place.

Rutter had already announced plans to step down at the end of 2025.

Trump also replaced several other board members. The new members include Susie Wiles, Dan Scavino, Allison Lutnick, Lynda Lomangino, Mindy Levine, Usha Vance, Pamela Gross, John Falconetti, Cheri Summerall, Sergio Gor, Emilia May Fanjul, Patricia Duggan, and Dana Blumberg.

The total number of board members now stands at 31.

During Trump's first term, he declined to attend the Kennedy Center Honors all four years.

Despite having obviously left-wing content in its performances, the Center claimed in a statement before Trump took over that it was "non-partisan."

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