In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he was appointing two prominent Fox News personalities, Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo, to the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This decision comes just weeks after Trump fired the center’s president and replaced the entire board of trustees, effectively taking over the organization himself.
The Kennedy Center, known for its iconic Kennedy Center Honors performances and home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, has now become the latest cultural institution to fall under Trump’s purview. In a statement on social media, Trump declared that the appointments of Ingraham and Bartiromo completed his selection for the board. He also announced that special U.S. envoy Richard Grenell would serve as the interim executive director of the center.
Since taking office on January 20th, Trump has been on a mission to overhaul the government and install more loyalists in key positions. This latest move is just one example of his efforts to downsize the bureaucracy and bring in individuals who align with his political views.
It is worth noting that during his first term in office, Trump declined to attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors, which is considered the highest award for achievement in the arts. However, in December, at the last show attended by former President Joe Biden, the center’s leaders made it clear that Trump was welcome to attend in the future.
Despite the initial controversy surrounding Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, the recent appointments of Ingraham and Bartiromo have been met with positive reactions. Both women are highly respected in the media industry and bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the board. Ingraham, a conservative political commentator and host of her own show on Fox News, is known for her strong opinions and unwavering support for Trump. Bartiromo, a veteran business journalist and anchor on Fox Business, is also a vocal supporter of the president.
With these new additions to the board, the Kennedy Center is poised to continue its mission of promoting and celebrating the arts. The center has a long history of recognizing and honoring talented individuals in various fields, and the appointments of Ingraham and Bartiromo only add to its diversity and influence.
In a recent development, the hit musical Hamilton has canceled its run at the Kennedy Center following Trump’s takeover. However, this decision should not overshadow the positive changes that are taking place at the center. With Trump at the helm, the Kennedy Center is sure to see new and exciting developments in the coming years.
In conclusion, the appointments of Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts mark a significant step in Trump’s efforts to revamp the government and bring in individuals who share his vision. These two accomplished women will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the success of the center. As we look towards the future, we can only hope that this new leadership will continue to uphold the legacy of the Kennedy Center and promote the arts for generations to come.
