Trump Selects Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo for Kennedy Center Board

A Bold Move Reshaping Cultural Leadership / Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host Laura Ingraham and Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo to the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a decision that has stirred significant attention and debate within cultural and political circles. This action follows Trump’s earlier steps to overhaul the institution by dismissing its president, reconstituting the board, and declaring himself chairman, all within weeks of his January 20, 2025, inauguration. Known for its prestigious Kennedy Center Honors and as the home of the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of artistic excellence. Trump’s latest appointments of prominent conservative media figures signal a deliberate shift, raising questions about the future direction of this iconic cultural landmark and its role in American society.

The announcement came via Trump’s social media platform, where he stated that the addition of Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo finalized his vision for the Kennedy Center board of trustees. This move aligns with his broader strategy of transforming government institutions by placing loyalists in key positions, a pattern evident since he began his second term. Earlier, Trump appointed Richard Grenell, a special U.S. envoy and trusted ally, as interim executive director, further cementing his influence over the center’s operations. Laura Ingraham, host of “The Ingraham Angle,” is a well-known conservative commentator with a strong following, often vocal in her support for Trump’s policies. Maria Bartiromo, a veteran financial journalist dubbed “the Money Honey,” brings a different profile from her work on Fox Business Network, though her inclusion alongside Ingraham suggests a preference for media personalities aligned with Trump’s worldview over traditional arts expertise. Critics argue that neither appointee has a clear connection to the performing arts, fueling speculation that these selections prioritize political loyalty over cultural stewardship.

This restructuring has not gone unnoticed or uncontested within the arts community, as Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center board of trustees has sparked a wave of backlash and boycotts. One of the most prominent responses came from the team behind the acclaimed musical “Hamilton,” which canceled its planned 2026 run at the center. Producer Jeffrey Seller explained that performing under the “new culture” established by Trump’s leadership was no longer feasible, a sentiment echoed by creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who publicly distanced himself from what he called the “Trump Kennedy Center.” Other artists followed suit, with Issa Rae scrapping her sold-out event, “An Evening With Issa Rae,” citing a violation of the center’s core values. High-profile resignations also piled up, including Shonda Rhimes stepping down as treasurer and artistic advisers Ben Folds and Renée Fleming exiting their roles, all in protest of the politicization they perceive in Trump’s actions. These departures and cancellations underscore the growing divide between the administration’s vision and the artistic community’s expectations for the Kennedy Center’s legacy.

Trump’s influence over the Kennedy Center board of trustees extends beyond personnel changes, as he has hinted at plans to reshape its programming to reflect his administration’s priorities. In February 2025, he criticized past events like drag shows aimed at younger audiences, vowing to end what he described as “woke” influences. This stance suggests that under his leadership, the center might pivot away from diverse or progressive performances, potentially favoring content that aligns with conservative values. Such a shift could impact not only the Kennedy Center Honors, a celebrated annual event recognizing lifetime achievement in the arts, but also the broader offerings that have defined the institution’s reputation. During his first term, Trump notably skipped these honors, breaking with tradition, though the center’s leadership at the time extended an olive branch for his return. Now, as chairman, his authority to dictate programming raises the stakes for how this cultural hub will evolve, especially as it approaches significant milestones like the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, for which “Hamilton” was expected to play a key role.

Financial and cultural ramifications loom large as a result of these developments at the Kennedy Center board of trustees. The cancellation of high-profile productions like “Hamilton,” which previously drew substantial audiences and revenue during its 2018 and 2022 runs, poses a challenge to the center’s bottom line, estimated to exceed $200 million annually in economic impact. Smaller productions, such as the Kennedy Center’s own children’s musical “Finn,” have also been shelved, amplifying concerns about lost opportunities and diminished prestige. Yet, not all artists have walked away; singer-songwriter Chris Pierce, for instance, chose to proceed with his scheduled performance, arguing for the importance of raising his voice within the altered landscape. This split in responses highlights a broader tension: while some see boycotts as a stand against politicization, others view continued engagement as a way to challenge the new direction from within. Public discourse, including editorials in outlets like The Washington Post, has urged artists and patrons to hold the revamped board accountable rather than cede the space entirely.

Looking ahead, Trump’s appointment of Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the Kennedy Center board of trustees marks a pivotal moment in his administration’s cultural agenda. By blending political loyalty with oversight of a major arts institution, he appears intent on leaving a lasting imprint, one that could redefine the center’s identity for years to come. The exodus of prominent artists and the potential shift in programming reflect the immediate fallout, but the long-term effects remain uncertain. Will the Kennedy Center retain its status as a bipartisan beacon of creativity, or will it become a battleground in the ongoing culture wars? For now, the arts community watches closely, weighing the balance between resistance and adaptation as this storied venue navigates uncharted territory under Trump’s stewardship.