Post Reports Why is Trump so obsessed with the Kennedy Center?
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Aug 14, 2025 Travis Andrews, a features reporter for The Washington Post specializing in arts and culture, joins to discuss Donald Trump's unusual move to chair the Kennedy Center's board. They explore how this political shift challenges the center's traditionally apolitical stance and the resulting cultural implications. The conversation touches on audience engagement during contentious performances, like the opening night of Les Mis, and raises questions about artistic freedom and political influence in cultural institutions.
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Kennedy Center's National Role
- The Kennedy Center is positioned as America's bipartisan performing arts center and a living memorial to JFK.
- It offers broad public access with diverse programming from orchestra to comedy and free exhibits.
Trump's Sudden Takeover
- Trump had shown little interest in the Kennedy Center during his first term and even skipped the Honors.
- After feeling slighted over a Norman Lear boycott, he later moved to take control of the center.
Claims Vs. Programming Reality
- Trump's stated complaints about 'woke' programming don't line up with the Center's schedule or offerings.
- The Center runs over 2,000 performances a year, with only a handful of controversial acts.
