WATCH LIVE: Donald Trump Tours Kennedy Center and Chairs Board Meeting

Washington, D.C. – March 17, 2025

In a dramatic move that has stirred both political and cultural debates, President Donald Trump visited the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today. This marks his first tour of the facility since his administration restructured its board, an act that saw many long-standing members ousted and replaced by loyalists.

On-Site Observations and Criticisms
During the tour, President Trump expressed strong concerns about the center's condition. Speaking to reporters before the board meeting, he criticized the facility’s upkeep, stating that it was in "tremendous disrepair." He specifically lambasted the design of the new expansion, known as "The Reach," highlighting its lack of windows and questioning its overall functionality. "If this area continues to look like it does, we might have to consider closing it," he remarked.

Board Meeting and Leadership Shake-Up
Following the tour, Trump chaired a board meeting held on the stage of the center’s opera house. Attendees included key administration figures such as interim president Richard Grenell, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a show of authority, Trump emphasized the importance of the Kennedy Center as a national cultural icon. He declared, "This institution represents an essential part of our nation's heritage, and it must be maintained at the highest standard."

As part of the sweeping changes, portraits of Trump, his wife Melania, Vice President JD Vance, and his spouse Usha Vance were unveiled in the center’s Hall of Nations—a symbolic gesture underlining his new role as the self-appointed chairman.

Cultural and Political Repercussions
The takeover has not been without controversy. Several artists and cultural producers have openly criticized the changes, with notable productions such as the hit musical "Hamilton" canceling scheduled performances in protest. Critics argue that the administration's intervention in the Kennedy Center represents an unprecedented politicization of an institution that has long enjoyed bipartisan support.

Observers warn that this move could have long-term repercussions on the center’s legacy as a bastion of American culture and artistic freedom.

Looking Ahead
President Trump's visit underscores his broader strategy to reshape national institutions to reflect his vision of a "Golden Age" in arts and culture. With promises of sweeping improvements and a return to what he calls the "great American standard," the coming months will reveal whether his ambitious plans can withstand the scrutiny of both the cultural community and political adversaries.

Stay tuned for live updates and further coverage as this story develops.