Ben Folds has resigned from his position as artist advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. He made this decision after Donald Trump became the chairman and introduced changes to the institution’s leadership. Folds announced his resignation on social media.
He said the recent developments and Trump’s installation as chairman were the main reasons for his departure. Trump wants to eliminate what he calls “woke” influences at the Kennedy Center. He has criticized several past performances as disgraceful and inappropriate for the institution.
The Kennedy Center is usually an apolitical hub of artistic performance. It hosts over 2,000 events each year. These performances are supported by government grants, private donations, and ticket sales.
President Donald Trump was criticized and mocked on social media after he accused the Kennedy Center of being “woke.” He then admitted that he hadn’t actually seen any shows there. When asked about his comments, Trump said, “We don’t need woke at the Kennedy Center. Some of the shows were terrible, a disgrace that they were even put on.
So I’ll be there until such time as it gets to be running right.”
When asked if he had seen any shows there, Trump said, “I didn’t go, no. I got reports. They were so bad, I didn’t want to go.
I didn’t want to go! There was nothing that I wanted to see.”
Trump supporters said he didn’t need to attend any shows to know what they were about.
Folds resigns amid Trump changes
Critics said his opinionated remarks without firsthand analysis were typical of Trump and his MAGA movement.
Donald Trump has been elected as the new chair of the Kennedy Center by its board. The center receives federal funding and is one of America’s leading arts venues. It has long enjoyed bipartisan support.
The board of trustees is now made up entirely of Trump appointees. Trump said, “It is a great honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees.”
Trump appointed his longtime foreign policy adviser, Ric Grenell, as interim executive director of the center. This followed Trump naming himself as chair.
The previous president, Deborah Rutter, had announced her intention to step down last month. Trump has been critical of the center’s previous operations. He accused them of hosting drag shows that he claims are “specifically targeting our youth” and other “anti-American propaganda.” He said, “We’re going to make sure that it’s good and it’s not going to be woke.
There’s no more woke in this country.”
Several Biden-appointed board members were informed of their termination by email. The email said their position on the board was terminated effective immediately on behalf of President Trump. The arts community has reacted critically to Trump’s appointment.
Many are concerned about the politicization of the arts and potential censorship. Pete Souza, former chief official White House photographer for presidents Reagan and Obama, expressed concerns about Trump’s control over the Kennedy Center. He cited historical examples of dictators who suppressed and censored artists.