The election of President Trump as chairman of the Kennedy Center has sparked significant backlash, prompting several prominent artists to resign their positions in protest. Issa Rae canceled a sold-out event planned at the venue, criticizing its shift away from artistic freedom. Other notable figures, including Shonda Rhimes, Ben Folds, and Renée Fleming, have also distanced themselves, expressing concern over Trump’s agenda to reshape the institution. Trump, who plans to replace much of the existing leadership, has called for performances that reflect his vision of American culture, diverging from previous programming.