On February 7, 2025, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce his intention to "make the Kennedy Center GREAT AGAIN" by dismissing board members who don't align with his "Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture"12. Trump specifically mentioned plans to end drag show performances at the venue, citing this as a reason for the board shake-up2. The president's unprecedented move aims to replace the current chairman, David Rubenstein, who has led the board for over a decade and was scheduled to remain until September 20263.

• Trump plans to appoint himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center

• The announcement targets multiple board members for dismissal

• Ending drag show performances is cited as a motivation for the changes

• This would be the first time in history such action has been taken with the Kennedy Center's board4

The Kennedy Center's current leadership structure reflects its status as a unique public-private partnership. Here are key details about its current leadership and organizational structure:

• David M. Rubenstein has served as the chairman of the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees for 14 years12

• Rubenstein announced plans to step down from the board in September 202623

• The Board of Trustees consists of 36 members appointed by the president to six-year terms2

• Board membership is divided between Republican and Democratic appointees2

• Deborah Rutter, the current President of the Kennedy Center since 2014, announced her intention to step down at the end of 20252

• The center's governance was established by Congress in 19584

• Ex-officio leaders in government designated by Congress are also included as trustees2

• Former President Joe Biden appointed several new members to the board before leaving office, including former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre2

This structure has allowed the Kennedy Center to maintain its role as a national cultural institution while balancing political interests and artistic independence.

The Kennedy Center has responded to President Trump's announcement with a measured statement, emphasizing its historical non-partisan stance and unique governance structure. Key points from the institution's response include:

• The center has received no official communication from the White House regarding board changes12

• Some board members have reportedly received termination notices from the administration13

• The Kennedy Center's chair is traditionally appointed by board members, not directly by the president12

• This would be the first time in the center's history that such action has been taken with its board13

• The institution highlighted its long-standing bipartisan support and collaborative relationships with all previous administrations24

• The Kennedy Center reaffirmed its status as a public-private partnership, with federal funding accounting for about 16% of its total operating budget4

The center's statement carefully navigates the unprecedented situation, emphasizing its established governance procedures while acknowledging the administration's authority to replace board members24.

The Kennedy Center's unique funding structure and historical significance stem from its inception as a national cultural center. Initially authorized by President Eisenhower in 1958, the project gained momentum under President Kennedy, who launched a $30 million fundraising campaign in 1962 with bipartisan support1. After Kennedy's assassination, Congress officially renamed it in his honor, with President Johnson signing the law in 19641.

The center's construction, completed in 1971, was financed through a combination of private contributions ($34.5 million), federal matching funds ($23.0 million), and long-term revenue bonds ($20.4 million)2. Today, the Kennedy Center operates as a distinctive public-private partnership, with federal annual appropriations covering about 16% of its total operating budget, primarily for building maintenance34. The remaining 84% comes from ticket sales, donations, rental income, and other revenue sources, supporting its artistic programming4. This funding model has allowed the center to maintain its dual role as a living memorial to President Kennedy and a thriving national cultural institution, fostering bipartisan support throughout its history34.