The MeidasTouch Podcast: Ben Folds Responds to Performers Leaving Kennedy Center

Release Date: January 11, 2026
Host: Ron Filipkowski (MeidasTouch Network)
Guest: Ben Folds (Renowned American singer, songwriter, former Kennedy Center artistic advisor)

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode, Ben Folds returns to the MeidasTouch Podcast to reflect on the mass exodus of artists from the Kennedy Center, now controversially renamed by Donald Trump as the "Trump Kennedy Center." The discussion centers on the broader implications of authoritarian influence over cultural institutions, the vital role of art and resistance in a democracy, and the responsibility of artists in perilous political times. The conversation is candid, emotional, and charged with historical awareness, making it essential listening for supporters of democracy and freedom of expression.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background: The Kennedy Center Controversy

• Mass Resignations & Low Attendance:
  • High-profile artists—from "Hamilton," Issa Rae, to jazz groups and famed composers—have cancelled performances at the Kennedy Center since it was commandeered and renamed by Trump. The Washington National Opera also moved out after five decades.
  • Quote (Ron Filipkowski, 01:43):
    “About a dozen performers have looked at Donald Trump and his phony board at the Kennedy Center, which he vandalized and calls the Trump Kennedy center unlawfully. And these performers are saying we quit... it's like no one's even showing up to this place.”
• Ben Folds’ Early Resignation:
  • Ben Folds immediately stepped down as artistic advisor in February 2025 when Trump’s regime replaced the Kennedy Center board with unqualified appointees, seeing it as the first step in an authoritarian crackdown on the arts.
  • Quote (Ron Filipkowski, 04:55):
    "His statement was, ‘Given the developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today, I am resigning as the advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra. The not for me, he said.’"

2. Historical & Personal Context

• The Kennedy Center’s Legacy:
  • Folds underscores the Kennedy Center’s dual mission as a leading arts institution and a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
  • Quote (Ben Folds, 06:39):
    “The Kennedy center had so many great missions and it is a memorial as well... It’s as close to sacred stuff as you can get for our federal government... It was an authoritarian first step.”
• Parallel to Authoritarian Regimes:
  • Story of Mstislav Rostropovich ("Slava"), famed conductor and Soviet defector, whose work at the Kennedy Center symbolized freedom of expression—the very opposite of current events.
  • Quote (Ben Folds, 09:05):
    "Politics, government dictator has no say over the arts. You leave that alone. That's for the people... When they want to take that over, that's just propaganda."
  • Memorable Comparison (Ben Folds, 10:56):
    “It reminds me of the photograph of... Hitler in front of the Eiffel Tower. Like, look what I've got. You know, that's what it seems like when he [Trump] put his name on it.”

3. Artist Reactions & Ethical Dilemmas

• The Difficulty of Resignation:
  • Artists and organizations face complex decisions—job security vs. principles—each must choose their own path.
  • Quote (Ben Folds, 12:08):
    “My friends in the National Symphony Orchestra, some... have varying views about how they should be handling this, but nobody's happy or inspired by it. They're... really worried about their jobs.”
  • On Playing at the Center (Ben Folds, 12:38):
    “I wouldn't touch the place while it's nuclear right now... I wouldn't feel safe playing there... Let the market speak. How's the Kennedy center doing? Oops, don't play there. That venue can't draw a crowd.”
• Consequences for Arts Workers:
  • Many are “just people trying to make a living in the arts, and they just got to show up at work. It's really, really unfortunate. It's really sad. It makes me sad for all of them.” (Ben Folds, 13:46)

4. Artists' Responsibility in Troubled Times

• The Call to Honest Expression:
  • Folds urges artists to stand up and use their platforms—politically, socially, and creatively—rejecting the outdated “shut up and sing” mentality from the ‘90s.
  • Quote (Ben Folds, 15:10):
    “The responsibility and the right of artists is to express honestly... There's a time, I think, and I came up in this era of the '90s, this sort of shut up and sing era, where you’re worried you’re going to alienate your artist. I think right now is the time to absolutely stand up and express yourself.”
• Warning About the Future:
  • “Better to show up at the protest now than have to show up in the protest in a year and worried about getting, you know, jailed and killed. Now is the time...” (Ben Folds, 16:16)
• The Irreplaceable Value of the Arts:
  • “The arts are important and the artist is really needed right now.” (Ben Folds, 16:57)
  • Highlights hypocrisy of right-wing politicians undermining the arts, then rushing to control them.

5. Final Thoughts & A Call to Action

• Support for Displaced Artists:
  • Folds calls for audiences, especially in DC, to attend National Symphony Orchestra performances at alternative venues.
  • Quote (Ben Folds, 17:25):
    “The National Symphony Orchestra is not the Kennedy Center... they’re just basically held hostage inside a building with someone spray painted their name on the outside. No one shows up to the shows anymore.”

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Trump’s Renaming and Vandalism
  • “Feeling like democracy died today. This is history happening today. And we should all be shocked... a convicted felon and a thug... has just stuck his name on top of a national monument. This is a desecration.” — DC Resident (04:25)
• On Authoritarianism and the Arts
  • “Obviously they weren’t going to start by trying to steamroll our late night comedians. They thought they would run over us first.” — Ben Folds (06:51)
• On Moral Stand and Loneliness
  • “I was sick on my stomach when I quit because one, I knew they were going to run it in the ground. No one that they were appointing had any experience in arts administration. But that was never the point.” — Ben Folds (07:37)
• On Solidarity and Survival
  • “Artists should be a little ahead of the curve where things are going. The artist can explain that in terms that no one else is allowed to... it doesn’t have to make sense. It has to feel right.” — Ben Folds (16:32)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• [01:43]—Recap of performer cancellations at the Kennedy Center
• [06:13]—Introduction of Ben Folds and his reaction to the situation
• [09:05]—Ben Folds discusses the Kennedy Center’s history with refugees and art under authoritarianism
• [12:08]—Ben Folds on conflicting choices for individual artists and orchestras
• [15:10]—Ben Folds’ message to artists to express openly and honestly
• [17:25]—Encouragement to support National Symphony Orchestra at alternate venues

Episode Tone & Language

The tone is forthright, urgent, and historically aware. Folds blends personal experience, a deep understanding of history, and clear calls for moral courage—delivered with characteristic bluntness and empathy for fellow artists.

Conclusion

This episode is a powerful commentary on the state of the American arts under authoritarian pressure, featuring Ben Folds as both witness and advocate. The conversation balances the heartbreak of seeing a national institution transformed with a resolute call for artists and audiences alike to resist, support each other, and hold the line for democracy and freedom of expression.