Trump To Attend Kennedy Center Board Meeting Amidst Financial Challenges
By Ed O’Keefe, CBS News Senior White House and Political Correspondent
President Donald Trump is anticipated to attend a meeting of the Kennedy Center’s board on Monday, according to sources familiar with the situation. The board meeting is uniquely scheduled to take place onstage at the venue’s opera house, following a performance of “Riverdance.”
Preparation for hosting this meeting incurs significant costs, including overtime for stage crew and extensive security measures. An insider mentioned, “There is a ton of security, associated stagehand costs. They’ve changed the plan about five times in three days, so lots of extra work.”
Financial Struggles at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center has been experiencing financial difficulties, with former interim director Ric Grenell revealing via Twitter that the organization had “zero cash on hand” as of February. Government support accounts for approximately 16% of its operating budget, totaling around $45 million, with the remainder sourced from ticket sales, fundraising, and other channels.
As of now, neither the White House nor the Kennedy Center has provided comments regarding the upcoming meeting.
Changes to Leadership and Controversies
In a historic move in February, Trump disbanded the Kennedy Center’s board of directors and appointed himself as chairman. The new board features several of his political associates, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Fox News host Laura Ingraham. This unprecedented overhaul marks a significant departure from the norm in the institution’s 54-year history.
Trump has expressed intentions to influence the Center’s programming, particularly criticizing “Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth,” and plans to shift away from what he terms “woke culture.” These comments have resulted in backlash, with several artists, including Issa Rae and the team behind the acclaimed musical “Hamilton,” canceling performances in response to his takeover.
Additionally, recent reports showed audience members booing Vice President JD Vance during a National Symphony Orchestra performance at the Kennedy Center, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding the venue.