In an unprecedented move that has stunned the cultural and political landscape, Fox News stars Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo have been appointed to the Kennedy Center’s board of directors, signaling the latest chapter in President Trump’s controversial efforts to reshape the iconic American arts institution. Their appointments, announced this past Friday, come amid an ongoing overhaul of the center that has ignited fierce debate over the future of arts funding and political influence in the cultural sphere.

Trump’s Vision for the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center, long home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, and various world-class performances, has traditionally been a place of bipartisan celebration. But under Trump’s leadership, the center has become ground zero for political culture wars. Trump’s dissatisfaction with the entertainment industry has been well documented, dating back to 2017 when he canceled the White House’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony after several major celebrities declined to attend, protesting his presidency. This incident marked the beginning of a long-standing grudge, culminating in his decision to take control of the Kennedy Center’s board in 2024.

Trump’s recent moves to install his loyalists—starting with Fox News hosts—are an attempt to “MAGA-fy” the center, reflecting his broader strategy to influence cultural institutions. He has made it clear that he wants to reshape the Kennedy Center to reflect his political and personal preferences, which he sees as aligned with the values of his supporters.

The New Power Duo: Ingraham and Bartiromo

Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo are two of Fox News’ most prominent figures and vocal proponents of conservative viewpoints. Ingraham, known for her fiery rhetoric and unwavering support of Trump, has expressed her passion for arts and culture, despite criticisms regarding her controversial past remarks about musicians and performers. Meanwhile, Bartiromo, a former Wall Street analyst, has gained prominence for her pro-Trump reporting and unrelenting conservative stance.

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Both women have a history of aligning with Trump’s political narrative, and their new roles at the Kennedy Center are seen as part of a broader attempt to reshape its operations and programming. Ingraham and Bartiromo’s appointments are being touted as a strategic way to move away from the center’s traditional, more liberal programming and inject a distinctly conservative flavor into its offerings.

Plans for the Kennedy Center: A Controversial Overhaul

Under the Trump administration’s leadership, the Kennedy Center is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. Plans have been revealed for a series of ambitious and, at times, bizarre changes—ranging from fashion shows (with Valentino) to the opening of a Cipriani restaurant and a marina on the Potomac River. Trump has expressed interest in making the center more accessible, even envisioning a new “marina” where yachts can dock, further emphasizing the intersection of luxury and culture in his vision.

Additionally, the center’s overhaul includes plans to send art into space, with Trump ally and former modeling agent Richard Grenell, now appointed as the center’s executive director, overseeing the “out-of-this-world” artistic endeavors. The goal? To use the Kennedy Center as a platform for “unlimited potential” and to cut through what Grenell and Zampolli view as bureaucratic red tape. However, critics argue that these ideas prioritize spectacle over substance, reducing the Kennedy Center to a political prop for Trump’s broader agenda.

The Pushback: Outcry Over Political Influence in the Arts

The changes at the Kennedy Center have not been without significant backlash. Critics argue that Trump’s influence over the board could lead to the politicization of arts funding and programming, potentially alienating artists who do not align with his views. Many within the arts community have expressed concerns that the new leadership will prioritize right-wing ideologies over artistic integrity and independence.

“Cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center should be a place for all people, not a partisan battleground,” said one critic in response to the board appointments. “The center’s job is to uplift and challenge people through art, not to serve as a political tool for the president’s agenda.”

The move has also sparked concerns about the future of the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious event that has long recognized individuals for their contributions to the arts. With the new conservative leadership, many wonder whether the event will continue to celebrate artists who don’t share the administration’s views.

Will the Kennedy Center Survive This Shift?

As Trump’s vision for the Kennedy Center unfolds, the big question remains: will these changes benefit the center, or will they lead to its downfall as a neutral, bipartisan cultural institution? The recent changes signal a significant shift toward conservative ideals, but it’s unclear whether the public will embrace a Trump-aligned Kennedy Center or resist the politicization of such an esteemed arts venue.

For now, the center remains in the midst of this dramatic overhaul, and the appointments of Ingraham and Bartiromo underscore the influence Trump is continuing to wield over American culture. While the Kennedy Center may be poised for a new era, it’s clear that the debate about its future—one that balances artistic freedom with political influence—has only just begun.