"The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., was once considered one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the nation. Now it's half-empty. Before Donald Trump's second term, the Kennedy Center presented over 2,000 events each year, making it the nation's busiest performing arts center. It is the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, and in recent years, it had been host to family-friendly drag shows and LGBTQ+ Pride events."
"At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. 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," Trump said on Truth Social. "We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!"
"The center's 2026 schedule is looking emptier now that Trump has banned any act related to the queer community, and as musicians continue canceling their performances in protest. Though it isn't just the Center's reputation that's collapsing - ticket sales and broadcast views are down significantly this year compared to those under the Biden administration. Trump claims he's shaking things up in the name of saving the center, but in reality, his decisions are destroying it. Here's everything he's done so far."
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has shifted from a bustling national institution to a half-empty venue. The center previously hosted over 2,000 annual events and served as home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, while also hosting family-friendly drag shows and Pride events. Trump announced plans to replace the board of trustees and install himself as chairman, citing objections to drag programming. He banned queer-related acts, prompting performer cancellations. Ticket sales, broadcast viewership, and the 2026 schedule have declined sharply, harming the center's operations and reputation.
Read at Advocate.com
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