On his inaugural visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since assuming the role of chairman, President Trump expressed his disapproval of “Hamilton,” while expressing optimism for other “Broadway hits” such as “Les Misérables” to thrive at the center.
“Broadway hits tend to perform well,” Trump stated during a press briefing prior to meeting with the board, now comprising over 30 of his supporters, including chief of staff Susie Wiles. This gathering marks Trump’s first since taking control of the center in February, following the dismissal of all board members appointed by former President Biden and the termination of the center’s longtime president, Deborah F. Rutter.
Trump’s disparagement of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” occurred after the acclaimed production canceled its planned performances at the center for the next year. Miranda commented to The Times, stating, “The Kennedy Center has historically been a politically agnostic artistic hub, unaffected by the policy changes of the era. At its core, ‘Hamilton’ honors American diversity. However, the recent ideological shift at the Kennedy Center, along with its new board leadership, renders it impossible for a production like ‘Hamilton’ to thrive and be acknowledged there today.”
Trump also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the center, which began construction in 1964 and opened its doors in 1971. He noted that the center was in “tremendous disrepair,” reflecting broader issues in the country, attributing it largely to poor management. Despite his disappointment, Trump assured that he and the board would “do what is necessary” to restore the center. He did not specify which repairs were needed but mentioned “rooms underground with no windows” that served no purpose and were “such a waste of money.”
Many performing arts venues have complex underground spaces for dressing, makeup, and costumes; however, it remains unclear if these are the rooms Trump referred to.
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Trump also took aim at unions, criticizing “the union structure,” stating, “They wanted $30,000 just to move a piano” so board member and “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood could perform for the board.
“This reflects a broader issue in our country,” he remarked, shaking his head.
Trump emphasized that the Kennedy Center “holds significant importance in D.C. and our nation,” urging its representation to be strong. He noted that many attendees often leave shows feeling disappointed, stating, “We’re in the process of cleaning up Washington, D.C., and this center plays a crucial role in that.”
During the board meeting, Trump was anticipated to suggest modifications to the honors advisory committee, according to the New York Times. His interest in the center’s annual honors dates back to his first term when several honorees, such as Norman Lear, threatened to boycott if Trump attended. He ultimately did not attend, making it only the fourth instance in history where the sitting president was absent from the ceremony.
Audio from the board meeting, acquired by the Washington Post, suggests Trump proposed to host the honors himself going forward, with plans to add members to the committee responsible for selecting honorees. Names like Paul Anka, Sylvester Stallone, Johnny Mathis, and Andrea Bocelli were mentioned, while Trump amusingly suggested posthumous awards for Elvis Presley, Luciano Pavarotti, and Babe Ruth—an unprecedented proposition for the center.
“Elvis sells better as a deceased artist,” Trump quipped, per the Washington Post.
Future programming at the center under Trump’s guidance and that of interim executive director Ric Grenell was also reportedly discussed, as indicated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Since Trump’s consolidation of control, observers have been eagerly speculating about the upcoming schedule. Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon even suggested that the J6 Prison Choir, made up of individuals incarcerated following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, should perform there.
Last week, during a visit to the Kennedy Center, Vice President JD Vance faced loud boos from the audience when he arrived with his wife, Usha Vance, for a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.
In light of this reception, Grenell took to X to express, “It troubles me that many in the audience appear to be white and intolerant of diverse political views. Our strength lies in diversity. We must improve. We must welcome EVERYONE. The Kennedy Center will not be a place of intolerance.”
