Staff Reports
President Trump’s recent visit to the Kennedy Center can only be described as a classic case of “makeover magic.” This 54-year-old performing arts complex has been clinging to its charm like an old pair of shoes that have seen better days. Trump, in his divine wisdom, embarked on a mission to rescue this deteriorating establishment from the depths of artistic despair. After all, who better to fix a broken-down building than a real estate mogul?
During the visit, Trump’s disdain for the current state of the center was clear. After touring the site, he expressed dissatisfaction with the vast, underutilized spaces and labeled its design as “very bad.” A critic of wastefulness, he pointed out that huge underground rooms are being neglected, calling for a complete overhaul. Of course, the concept of using space wisely isn’t exactly foreign to someone who’s spent decades in real estate development. His promise to bring in “really good shows,” presumably Broadway hits that don’t feature drag acts or “anti-American propaganda,” raised eyebrows and ruffled feathers among the left-leaning art crowd.
Not one to shy away from making sweeping changes, Trump shook up the entire Kennedy Center Board, dismissing longtime members in favor of loyalists. With Fox News host Laura Ingraham and other conservative figures joining the ranks, this new board could very well signal a paradigm shift in programming decisions. Trump effortlessly positioned himself at the helm as chairman, implying that a golden age for arts and culture is on the horizon, but only if everyone behaves themselves—not that there will be much drag queen drama on his watch.
Trump sees ‘tremendous potential’ in Kennedy Center remakehttps://t.co/jEuMpCYC2g pic.twitter.com/HzrMlmt2gL
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 18, 2025
While some in the artistic community expressed outrage, the truth is that the age of political correctness has long overstayed its welcome. The uproar was palpable as high-profile shows, including “Hamilton,” decided to cancel performances, claiming Trump’s intrusion compromised the sanctity of the Kennedy Center. But the irony is thick; what was once seen as a monument to artistic freedom is now proving to have its own political bias. A show that originally thrived on political commentary was ironically turned into a melodramatic exit stage left.
In a stunning turn of events, Vice President J.D. Vance found himself at the receiving end of boos while attending a performance, further illustrating the rift between the conservative vision for the arts and its culturally elite detractors. Trump’s cavalier dismissal of “Hamilton” isn’t surprising; after all, he’s been known to appreciate “Les Miserables” for its decidedly different take on societal issues. With promises of a revitalized Kennedy Center offering entertaining classics rather than political pontifications, maybe the days of stuffy elitism are finally numbered.
As the board continues to navigate the waters of selection for the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, a new era in artistic recognition might be on the horizon. Gone are the days when only certain artists deemed “worthy” by the political elite and the existing establishment are honored. If Trump has his way, the gates of honor will open wider to include a more diverse array of talent, all while leaving the absurdities of the left behind. Whether it’s revamping the lineup to include stars eager to perform without an agenda or simply working to fix up the rusty ol’ center, it’s safe to say that the Kennedy Center is on an exciting—and much-needed—path to recovery.
