Shonda Rhimes has stepped down as Treasurer of the Kennedy Center following President Trump’s controversial decision to appoint himself as the organization’s new chairman. According to Trump, the board—composed of members he installed—voted unanimously to approve his leadership.
Last week, Trump announced plans to remove several board members, including chairman David Rubenstein, who was originally set to serve until 2026. Rhimes’ resignation follows those of musician Ben Folds, former artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra, and Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter.
Rhimes had been appointed to the board by President Obama.
In justifying his decision, Trump criticized what he called “ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA,” referencing past drag show events held at the Kennedy Center, such as the “Broadway Drag Brunch” and “Dancing Queens Drag Brunch.” While admitting he had not seen these shows, Trump claimed to have heard about them.
Additionally, Trump announced the appointment of Richard Grenell, former U.S. ambassador to Germany, as the interim executive director, stating that Grenell “shares my Vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture.” Meanwhile, all 18 board members appointed by President Biden have been removed from the Kennedy Center’s website.
During his first term as president, Trump notably skipped the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony after several honorees, including Gloria Estefan, LL Cool J, and Norman Lear, voiced criticism of him. Last year, the ceremony honored filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.
