Kennedy Center changed board rules before adopting Trump’s name
The Times••general
Key Points:
- The Kennedy Center recently underwent a unanimous name change vote, despite criticism from some members and opposition from the Kennedy family; ex officio members did not vote as per longstanding precedent.
- President Trump, who chairs the Kennedy Center's board, has been actively overhauling the institution, promising a "golden age" and rejecting a "woke" approach, but the 2025 Kennedy Center Honours televised viewership dropped 25% compared to 2024.
- Several artists, including jazz musician Chuck Redd and the dance company Doug Varone and Dancers, have canceled performances in protest of the name change, citing moral objections despite financial losses.
- Interim president Richard Grenell defended the changes, accusing the previous leadership
