Trump Fires Kennedy Center Board, Claims Chairmanship: David Rubenstein Out, Ownership Shift Explained
What Is the Kennedy Center?
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, established in 1971, is a federally funded cultural institution in Washington, D.C., dedicated to President John F. Kennedy’s legacy. It serves as a hub for theater, music, and dance, hosting events like the Kennedy Center Honors. While it receives federal funding (approximately 16% of its budget), most support comes from private donations, ticket sales, and partnerships.
Trump’s Unprecedented Move: Firing the Board and Claiming Chairmanship
On February 7–8, 2025, President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social his decision to terminate multiple members of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees, including Chairman David Rubenstein. Trump declared he would replace them with a new board and appoint himself as chairman, stating the current leadership did not align with his vision for a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”
- Key Details:
- Trump targeted Rubenstein, a private equity billionaire, philanthropist, and largest individual donor in the Kennedy Center’s history $111 million).
- The board includes bipartisan figures, such as Biden administration officials and Trump allies like Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- The Kennedy Center confirmed receiving termination notices for some members but noted no formal White House communication.
- Legal Authority:
- The Kennedy Center’s 1958 congressional charter allows presidential appointments to the board, but chair selection traditionally rests with trustees. Trump’s move marks the first attempt by a president to unilaterally replace board members.
Who Is David Rubenstein?
David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, has chaired the Kennedy Center since 2010. A Baltimore native and owner of the Orioles MLB team, he expanded the Center’s outreach through donations and initiatives like free daily performances. His tenure was extended to 2026 before Trump’s announcement.
Does Trump “Own” the Kennedy Center?
The Kennedy Center is not privately owned. As a federal memorial, it operates under a public-private partnership:
- Federal Role: The government funds building maintenance $45.7 million annually).
- Private Role: Artistic programs rely on donations and revenue.
Trump’s claim of installing himself as chairman challenges this structure. Heritage Foundation’s 2023 proposal to end federal funding and privatize the Center aligns with his broader agenda to reduce government support for cultural institutions.
Implications of Trump’s Actions
- Funding Risks: Federal cuts could destabilize operations, forcing reliance on private donors.
- Programming Shifts: Trump criticized drag shows and vowed to prioritize “traditional” arts, signaling potential censorship.
- Political Backlash: Bipartisan board members and arts advocates oppose the move as an overreach.
External Links for Further Reading
- Kennedy Center Official Statement on Governance
- POLITICO: Trump’s Kennedy Center Board Removal
- Heritage Foundation’s 2023 Budget Blueprint
Conclusion
Trump’s abrupt restructuring of the Kennedy Center board underscores his broader effort to reshape federal institutions. While his authority to replace trustees remains debated, the move highlights tensions between political agendas and cultural stewardship. David Rubenstein’s removal and Trump’s self-appointment as chairman could redefine the Center’s mission, funding, and artistic direction for years to come.
Final Note: Monitor official Kennedy Center updates and congressional responses for developments on this unprecedented power shift.
