Post Reports Summary: Why is Trump So Obsessed with the Kennedy Center?

Published on August 14, 2025

Introduction

In the August 14, 2025 episode of Post Reports, hosted by Colby Ekowitz from The Washington Post, the focus centers on former President Donald Trump's unexpected and controversial involvement with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Colby engages with features reporter Travis Andrews to unravel Trump's motivations and the broader implications of his actions on arts and culture in America.

Trump's Takeover of the Kennedy Center

Colby Ekowitz (00:33) introduces the Kennedy Center as Washington, D.C.'s premier performing arts venue, historically supported across party lines. However, the episode delves into how Trump's recent actions have disrupted this nonpartisan legacy.

Colby Ekowitz (03:16): "So, Travis, I have to admit I was stunned when Trump announced that he wanted to take over the Kennedy center back in February. And then he actually went through with it, and he basically fired its existing board. He installed new members, and then they voted for him to become chair."

Travis Andrews (03:39) explains that Trump's appointment as the chair of the Kennedy Center's board was unprecedented. Historically, the board comprised a balanced mix of Republicans and Democrats, ensuring bipartisan support. Trump's move to replace the existing board members with his loyalists and appoint himself as chair marked a significant shift.

Impact on the Kennedy Center's Operations

Travis elaborates on the tangible changes and challenges stemming from Trump's takeover.

Travis Andrews (05:43): "Subscriptions are down a good deal. People aren't going as much. Some of these shows that are being canceled, they're losing a lot of revenue."

The center has faced declining patronage, attributed to the politicization introduced by Trump's involvement. Performers and artists have responded variably, with some canceling their appearances to avoid association with Trump, while others choose to continue their engagements, emphasizing the importance of art over politics.

Controversial Leadership Decisions

Trump's leadership style has introduced chaos within the Kennedy Center. Notable incidents include:

• Les Misérables Opening Night (08:09): Despite claims of record attendance, only a quarter of the seats were filled. The event was marred by a partial standing ovation and audible booing directed at Trump, signaling public dissent.

  Travis Andrews (08:43): "They were saying, f Trump. Like, loud enough that you think he could hear it."

• Renaming Efforts: House Republicans have proposed renaming parts of the center to honor Trump and his family, undermining the Kennedy Center's historical significance tied to John F. Kennedy.

  Travis Andrews (13:15): "House Republicans are like, well, let's just erase that and make this a monument to Trump."

These actions have not only alienated patrons and performers but also sparked debates about the appropriateness of presidential influence over cultural institutions.

Broader Implications on Arts and Culture

The episode highlights concerns that Trump's interference extends beyond the Kennedy Center. Recent reports indicate his interest in overseeing Smithsonian museums, raising alarms about potential manipulation of historical narratives.

Travis Andrews (22:19): "Trump has ordered a review of the Smithsonian museums and exhibitions that I think should be troubling to anyone."

Experts warn that such actions resemble authoritarian attempts to control free speech and historical representation, drawing parallels to dictatorships where cultural institutions are tools for propaganda.

Public and Internal Reactions

The Kennedy Center's staff and the broader arts community are grappling with uncertainty and division.

Travis Andrews (09:55) observes the internal turmoil: "Employees there have, where they working there, because it was a dream job if you were in the arts. And now they don't know what to do or what to feel or how to fight back."

The uncertainty has led to decreased ticket sales and hesitancy among donors and audiences, threatening the financial stability and cultural relevance of the center.

Chronology of Trump's Involvement

A detailed timeline of events reveals the rapid shift in the Kennedy Center's governance:

1. February Announcement (03:16): Trump declares his intent to take over the Kennedy Center.
2. Board Replacement (11:05): All existing board members appointed by President Biden are dismissed and replaced with Trump loyalists.
3. Self-Appointment as Chair (12:16): The newly formed board unanimously elects Trump as the chairman.
4. Interim Executive Director (12:33): Trump appoints Rick Grenell, former ambassador to Germany, as the center's executive director, a position previously non-existent.

These swift changes circumvented traditional governance structures, raising questions about the erosion of institutional independence.

Conclusion

Trump's obsession with the Kennedy Center represents a broader trend of political interference in cultural institutions. By repositioning the center to his image and undermining its bipartisan foundation, Trump has ignited a contentious debate about the role of politics in the arts. The episode underscores the fragile balance between cultural preservation and political ambition, highlighting the stakes for America's artistic legacy.

Travis Andrews (23:30) encapsulates the gravity of the situation: "It's not unusual in Russia or North Korea, but it's unusual here."

As the Kennedy Center navigates this tumultuous period, the episode leaves listeners contemplating the future of arts and culture in a politically charged environment.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump (01:20): "I shouldn't make this political because they made the Academy Awards political and they went down the tubes. So they'll say Trump made it political, But I think if we make it our kind of political, we'll go up."

• Travis Andrews (05:43): "Subscriptions are down a good deal. People aren't going as much."

• Colby Ekowitz (17:30): "He's going to host the show."

• Travis Andrews (13:15): "House Republicans are like, well, let's just erase that and make this a monument to Trump."

• Travis Andrews (23:30): "It's not unusual in Russia or North Korea, but it's unusual here."

Further Reading

For more insights into Trump's influence on cultural institutions and the evolving landscape of arts in America, subscribe to The Washington Post and explore their extensive coverage on these critical issues.