After taking control of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Fox News host Laura Ingraham and Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo will join its board. It is the latest sign that the GOP leader is seeking to reshape the structure of the cultural institution, which is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera.
These appointments were announced by President Trump in a social media post. The politician described this move as the final step in the reorganization process, after he fired the Kennedy Center’s president and named himself chairman last month.
The inclusion of Ingraham and Bartiromo on the board, both prominent figures in the conservative landscape and longtime Trump supporters, represents another step in the Republican strategy of placing trusted allies in key roles. Laura Ingraham is known for her consistent support of the president, while her colleague played a prominent role in amplifying false claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
Their appointments are yet another sign that the Kennedy Center, which has always hosted prestigious and highly recognized arts events, is going through a shake-up. In addition to the internal changes, about 20 events have been canceled or postponed since Trump took control. The successful theater company behind Hamilton has canceled plans for a 2026 performance in protest of the recent changes.
Founded in 1971 in honor of President John F. Kennedy, the center has become the heart of the performing arts in the U.S. capital, hosting world-class concerts, operas, and dances. Every year, the Kennedy Center Honors celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture.
