President Trump is fortifying the Kennedy Center board with trusted conservative voices, completing his transformation of the prestigious arts institution with two final heavyweight appointments from Fox News.
At a glance:
• President Trump appointed Fox News hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham to the Kennedy Center board of trustees
• Trump previously removed much of the existing board and appointed himself as Chair
• Other Trump allies on the board include Pam Bondi, Elaine Chao, Dan Scavino, and Susie Wiles
• “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Seller cancelled the show’s 2026 Kennedy Center engagement in protest
• Trump stated these appointments will help “Make the Arts Great Again” and restore the center to “Greatness”
Trump Strengthens Kennedy Center with Conservative Voices
President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham to the board of trustees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. These appointments represent the final pieces in Trump’s reshaping of the prestigious cultural institution, which began with his bold move to dismiss much of the previous board.
Trump announced the appointments on his Truth Social platform, expressing enthusiasm about bringing these respected conservative media figures into the fold. “I am thrilled to announce that Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo will be joining our Kennedy Center Board – This completes our selection,” Trump wrote.
Building a Strong Team of Trusted Allies
The appointments of Bartiromo and Ingraham follow Trump’s strategic restructuring of the Kennedy Center’s leadership team with loyal supporters. Other recent additions include Allison Lutnick, wife of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance.
The revamped board now features an impressive roster of Trump allies including Attorney General Pam Bondi, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, longtime Trump advisor Dan Scavino, and campaign manager Susie Wiles. Richard Grenell, who served as Acting Director of National Intelligence during Trump’s first term, now serves as President of the Kennedy Center.
Trump expressed confidence that the new leadership team would elevate the institution to new heights. “We look forward to restoring the Center to Greatness, and ushering in America’s Golden Age,” Trump declared in his announcement.
Liberal Arts Community Shows Its True Colors
The transformation of the Kennedy Center has predictably triggered resistance from some within the liberal arts establishment. Jeffrey Seller, producer of the left-leaning musical “Hamilton,” announced he would cancel the show’s scheduled 2026 engagement at the Kennedy Center in protest of the changes.
Seller claimed the “spirit of nonpartisanship ended” with the leadership changes. His decision revealed the unwillingness of some in the arts community to work with conservative leadership, despite Trump’s clear commitment to elevating American culture.
Trump’s promise to “Make the Arts Great Again” signals a new era for the Kennedy Center, one that may finally bring balance to an institution long dominated by left-leaning influences. With respected voices like Bartiromo and Ingraham now in positions of influence, the Kennedy Center has an opportunity to represent a broader spectrum of American cultural values.
