Why did President Trump appoint Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the Kennedy Center Board?

President Trump appointed Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the Kennedy Center Board as part of his efforts to 'restore the Center to Greatness' and 'Make the Arts Great Again,' following significant changes in leadership and board composition.

What backlash has the Kennedy Center faced since Trump's leadership changes?

The Kennedy Center has faced significant backlash, including the cancellation of the musical 'Hamilton,' which cited concerns over the erosion of the center's neutrality and independence due to Trump's actions.

Who else has been appointed to the Kennedy Center Board alongside Ingraham and Bartiromo?

Other board members include Trump allies such as Attorney General Pam Bondi, Elaine Chao, Dan Scavino, Susie Wiles, and Richard Grenell, who serves as the president of the Kennedy Center. Additionally, Allison Lutnick and Usha Vance have been appointed.

3 sources·Politics

Trump Appoints Fox News Hosts to Kennedy Center Board Amid Controversy

President Trump appoints Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the Kennedy Center Board, following backlash over his leadership changes.

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Trump, who often skipped the star-studded Kennedy Center Honors awards ceremony for the performing arts during his first term, also blasted the prestigious venue for previously hosting drag shows 'targeting' children, declaring he would install a new board that supports his 'Golden Age in Arts and Culture.'
Trump names anchors Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo to Kennedy Center board after seizing control
New York Post·13d
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Leans Right
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Trump’s appointments come amid backlash and upheaval over his recent takeover of the Washington, D.C., performance venue.
Trump names Fox News’s Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo to Kennedy Center board
The Hill·13d
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This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
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At the beginning of February, Trump announced that he had appointed himself as the chairman of the Kennedy Center Board and had cleaned house of several members of the Board of Trustees.
Trump Names Laura Ingraham, Mari Bartiromo to Kennedy Center Board
Breitbart News·13d
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

Mar 8th, 2025, 2:22 AM ET

Summary

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President Trump has appointed Fox News anchors Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, after he recently appointed himself as chair and removed several board members. He stated his goal is to restore the center's greatness and 'Make the Arts Great Again.' The changes met with significant backlash, including cancellations of shows by productions like 'Hamilton,' which criticized the new politically charged direction. Other board members include several Trump allies, raising concerns about the center’s nonpartisan artistic atmosphere.

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Trump's recent appointments of Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the Kennedy Center Board signify a shift in leadership and vision for the performing arts venue.
The backlash against Trump's takeover has included boycotts from celebrities and canceled shows, highlighting concerns over politicization of the arts.
Trump's goal is to restore what he describes as the 'Greatness' of the Kennedy Center and usher in 'America’s Golden Age' in arts and culture.

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