Hollywood celebs ditch Kennedy Center after Trump becomes Board Chair

Following President Donald Trump being unanimously elected as Chairman of the Kennedy Center Board, celebrities in high roles at the center are abandoning ship. 

Among those leaving is Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton, who served as the Kennedy Center’s treasurer. "Please be advised that as of today, Shonda Rhimes has resigned from the board of the Kennedy Center," she said in a statement, per the Daily Mail.

Singer Ben Folds, who served as an artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement, "Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me."

Renee Flemming, an actress and opera singer serving as an artistic advisor at large to the Kennedy Center, said, "I've treasured the bi-partisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best. I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation's capital and across the country." She praised both David Rubenstein, the former chair, and former President Deborah Rutter for their leadership.

Rutter had announced that she would step down from her role at the end of the year, writing in a statement, "After more than 10 extraordinary years in Washington, D.C., collaborating with some of the most phenomenal artists, cultural leaders, diplomats, philanthropists, volunteers, and administrators, I have come to believe it is time to pass the torch."

"It has been a great honor to work with the best in the world. It is time now to hand this truly unique institution to a new leader who will take the power and majesty of the arts to the next level." According to the Daily Mail, Rutter was fired from her post, and sources said that others within her office were let go.

Board members who had been appointed by former President Joe Biden, including former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, have been dismissed. New members of the 31-person board include White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, singer Lee Greenwood, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, and Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance.  

Trump said in a statement after being elected as chairman, “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." He has vowed to overhaul the Kennedy Center, and has appointed Ric Grenell to temporarily lead the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Trump said ahead of the vote, "The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME."