US President Donald Trump visited John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, where he took a tour and headed a meeting of his board of directors.
It was his first time in the Marquee Arts Institution since he started at the beginning of his second term.
Trump fired the previous board of the Kennedy Center and wrote on social media that “she did not share our vision for a golden age in art and culture”. He replaced her with Loyalists, including the chief of staff of the White House, Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Usha Vance, Vice President JD Vance, and installed as chairman.
The allies of the Republican President complained that the Kennedy Center, which is known for his annual celebration of well -known American artists, had become too liberal and was “awakened” with its programming.
When Trump spoke to reporters before the board meeting on Monday, he complained about “enormous decay” and said that the center was a very important part of DC and actually our country. “
He showed displeasure about the recent expansion of the complex, known as “The Reach”, in which studios, rehearsal rooms and discussion options are equipped, which indicates that he would close the rooms because they are not missing.
Trump also discussed plans to “improve” Kennedy Center and its upcoming artistic programming.
“We will have some really good shows,” he said, adding, “what is doing well are Broadway hits.”
Several artists and productions, including Broadway Smash Hamiltonhave withdrawn from the appearances in the Kennedy Center in protest against the takeover of Trump.
“I was never a big fan, I never liked it Hamilton A lot, “said Trump as an answer.
Trump also complained about the staging costs in the center and said that musician Lee Greenwood wanted to appear on Monday at the first board meeting he headed, but it would cost 30,000 dollars to “move a piano”.
The Kennedy Center, which is located on the banks of the Potomac River, was opened in 1971 and has enjoyed non -partisan support over the years.
However, Trump has a committed relationship with the first term as president. Every year he skipped the annual Honors ceremony.
