In a move aimed at revamping a famed cultural institution, President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of two prominent Fox News personalities to the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
President Trump aims to restore the Kennedy Center to its former greatness by appointing Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to its board, alongside his recent leadership changes, Breitbart reported.
On this occasion, President Trump outlined his vision to revitalize the Kennedy Center. Laura Ingraham, the host of "The Ingraham Angle," and Maria Bartiromo, known for "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business Network, are set to play impactful roles, bringing a fresh perspective to the board.
These appointments come in the wake of a significant leadership overhaul at the Kennedy Center. Earlier in February, President Trump appointed himself as the board's chairman, signaling an interest in taking a more hands-on approach to the Center’s operations.
A series of dismissals preceded these changes, including the removal of several board trustees. Richard Grenell stepped into the role of interim president after Deborah Rutter's departure as president of the board of trustees.
Alongside President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and several former first ladies including Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton serve as honorary chairs, reflecting a mix of bipartisan support for the arts.
President Trump's recent decisions reflect a broader intention to reform the institution's direction. In a statement, he expressed enthusiasm for the roles Ingraham and Bartiromo will play in reshaping the board’s dynamics.
“I am thrilled to announce that Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo will be joining our Kennedy Center Board. We look forward to restoring the Center to Greatness, and ushering in America’s Golden Age. Together, we will Make the Arts Great Again!” - Donald Trump
The notion of “making the arts great again” underlines Trump's approach to the cultural scene, echoing earlier aspirations for a return to a ‘golden age’ in several sectors.
Among the immediate consequences of these leadership shifts, the Hamilton musical production canceled a scheduled show at the Kennedy Center. The cancellation is part of the ongoing ripple effects of the board changes.
The reshaped board is likely to focus on projects and performances that align with Trump's vision. With a focus on American culture, the new direction could redefine how the arts interact with audiences and contributors.
Overall, President Trump's move to appoint these network figures introduces a new chapter for the Kennedy Center. As Ingraham and Bartiromo step into their roles, their influence will likely shape the Center’s future programming and outreach efforts.
President Trump’s aim of reviving the Kennedy Center heralds a shift in its governance. By installing Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to influential positions, he seeks to mold the institution in line with his broader cultural agenda.
Alongside these appointments, the restructuring highlights changes guided by a desire to inject new energy into an iconic arts venue.
