Trump seizes Kennedy Center visit to denigrate the establishment and trumpet his initiatives to reform it
Donald Trump Takes on the John F. Kennedy Center
Igniting controversy, President Donald Trump trotted out criticisms at the Kennedy Center, the prestigious arts institution, where he recently assumed the position of chairman. Trump, known for his straight-talking style, stated that the venue needs a total overhaul, akin to the transformation he envisions for the country.
Addressing the media, he reiterated, "It's in shambles, a lot like our country, and it's mainly due to mismanagement." The restructuring process includes appointing new board members, such as Susie Wiles, Laura Ingraham, and Maria Bartiromo, among others.
Trump's crusade for reshaping the renowned Kennedy Center has not gone unnoticed. Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton," a critically acclaimed production, canceled its performances when Trump took the reins. Producer Jeffrey Seller outlined the issue, asserting that "decades of Kennedy Center neutrality have been destroyed."
However, the president seemed unperturbed, expressing unfondness for the musical. "I didn't really care for 'Hamilton' to begin with," he mentioned to reporters. In its place, he promises that "we'll have some fantastic shows – Broadway hits are what work best."
Interestingly, Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic ballad "God Bless the U.S.A.," expressed a wish to perform at the meeting. However, citing union expenses, the president shared that it would cost over $30,000, making it cost-prohibitive.
In the board meeting, held at the Opera House auditorium, the president was flanked by key figures such as Ric Grenell, interim executive director, Jennifer Fischer, interim vice chair, Pam Bondi, attorney general, and Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff. Fox News personalities, like Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham, were also present.
As he toured the facility, Trump honed in on the visual aspect, remarking, "The exterior columns are a disgrace – they've been painted, representing a dated look." He further criticized the facade, stating that it should ideally feature imported marble rather than its current state.
Refusing to mince words, Trump pointed the finger at former chairman, David Rubenstein, without naming him. "It's astonishing, given the man who had oversight of it, and he's a stand-up guy," Trump admitted.
Reacting to Trump's remarks, the Kennedy Center mentioned that the facade features Italian marble imported from three quarries, while the painted bronze pillars, criticized by Trump, mimic similar designs found in the US Embassy in Delhi, India – both structures designed by American architect Edward Durell Stone.
Nevertheless, Trump is adamant about renovating the center, saying, "It needs a lot of work, but we're going to make it great, just like we're going to make the country great and DC great." He gave hints of upcoming changes, including seat modification, cosmetic improvements, and possibly altering the controversial 'Reach' expansion.
The theater scene eagerly awaits the transformation, while art enthusiasts hope the Kennedy Center's unique heritage is preserved amidst the changes.
- Mondays may witness significant discussions at the John F. Kennedy Center, as President Donald Trump, the newly appointed chairman, is supposed to be previewing his plans for the center's renovations, similar to his vision for politics.
- President Trump, in his role as Kennedy Center chairman, has supposedly taken note of Kennedy Center's apparent mismanagement, stating that it needs drastic changes, much like he feels the country does.
- Regardless of the controversy caused by his takeover of the Kennedy Center and the cancellation of productions like "Hamilton," Trump is supposed to push forward with renovations, promising new shows that will be as popular as Broadway hits.
