Shonda Rhimes recently made headlines by resigning from the Kennedy Center Board, where she also held the position of treasurer. This decision came shortly after President Trump announced on Truth Social that he had been elected as the new chair of the Kennedy Center. Following Rhimes’ resignation, Deborah F. Rutter, who had been the institution’s president since 2014, also stepped down on the same day. Ben Folds and Renée Fleming also announced their resignations from their respective roles at the National Symphony Orchestra.
These resignations are part of a larger wave of changes at the Kennedy Center initiated by President Trump, who stated his intention to dismiss multiple board members, including chairman David M. Rubenstein, and appoint himself as chair. Trump also announced plans to name Richard Grenell as the interim executive director, touting his shared vision for a “GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture” and a commitment to eliminating “ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.”
The Kennedy Center, known for overseeing various arts institutions such as the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, has faced significant upheaval in recent days. Several board members appointed by President Biden, including Rubenstein, have been removed from the center’s website as reported by The New York Times. These changes signal a shift in leadership and direction for the prestigious arts organization.
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