Kennedy Center ticket sales plummet in wake of Trump takeover

After taking office, Donald Trump stunned the arts world by removing the entire board of the Kennedy Center, installing allies on the board, and eventually being voted in as the chair.

That move has outraged liberals, with many scheduled artists canceling as well as ticket sales plummeting for events that remain on the events calendar. 

Trump Cleans House

As part of Trump's quest to end DEI and the woke agenda in this country, he went after the board of the Kennedy Center, announcing that he would be cleaning house.

In announcing his intent to fire the board, Trump stated, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN.

"I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture."

Trump also stoked his own ego in announcing that it was his intent to take over as chair, stating, “We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”

Trump Named Chair

Donald Trump could not name himself chair, but he could put the pieces in place to ensure that when the board elected its next chair, it would be Trump.

That is exactly what he did after dismissing longtime president Deborah F. Rutter. Among others, Trump installed Richard Grenell on the board, guaranteeing he would have enough votes to take over.

Grenell and company conducted their first order of business, electing a new chair, which Trump celebrated as though it was a big surprise.

Trump posted to Truth Social, “It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!”

Plummeting Sales, Canceled Performances

The liberal horde did not take too kindly to the Trump takeover of the Center, responding in kind.

According to reports, numerous artists have canceled their appearances and ticket sales to the Center have started to tank in protest against Trump and company.

As an example, Canadian mystery writer Louise Penny decided to cancel her appearance, stating, "In DC, but in the wake of Trump taking over, I have pulled out. It was, of course, going to be a career highlight. But there are things far more important than that.”'

While other acts have stated they will perform, such as comedian W. Kamau Bell and Karen Slack, whether they would book the performance with Trump and company running the show is another question. I would fully expect this drama to die down soon enough, but it will be interesting to see what direction Trump and his new board take the Center in terms of the entertainment being booked there.