U.S. President Donald Trump visited the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, marking his first appearance since appointing himself chairman. Trump criticized the iconic venue, calling it "tremendously in disrepair," and questioned the design of a recent addition, suggesting it should be closed.
Despite his packed schedule—balancing efforts to end Russia’s war with Ukraine while restructuring U.S. agencies—Trump emphasized the Kennedy Center’s significance, stating it "represents a very important part of D.C. and our country."
Trump assumed control last month after ousting billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, replacing longtime president Deborah Rutter with former U.S. ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell. His visit reinforced his direct influence over the institution, long known for its bipartisan support.
During Monday’s board meeting, Trump, Grenell, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles gathered on the opera house stage. Before the meeting, portraits of Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and his wife, Usha, were unveiled in the Hall of Nations—breaking tradition, as past presidents are not featured there.
Trump’s shakeup has sparked controversy, with some artists canceling performances. The musical Hamilton withdrew its planned third run at the venue, with producer Jeffrey Seller condemning Trump’s removal of staff and events. Grenell dismissed the move as a "publicity stunt," accusing creator Lin-Manuel Miranda of exclusivity. Trump responded bluntly, saying he "never liked Hamilton very much."
His presence at the Kennedy Center marks a new chapter for the cultural institution, raising questions about its future under his leadership.


Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans
U.S. Sanctions on Russia Could Expand as Ukraine Peace Talks Continue, Says Treasury Secretary Bessent
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal
Trump Allegedly Sought Airport, Penn Station Renaming in Exchange for Hudson River Tunnel Funding
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Trump Rejects Putin’s New START Extension Offer, Raising Fears of a New Nuclear Arms Race
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions
Ukraine-Russia Talks Yield Major POW Swap as U.S. Pushes for Path to Peace
UAE Plans Temporary Housing Complex for Displaced Palestinians in Southern Gaza
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 



