Kennedy Center Cuts Social Impact Team Amid Trump Leadership Changes

The Kennedy Center has laid off its Social Impact team, including Artistic Director Marc Bamuthi Joseph, as part of a major workforce reduction following President Trump's overhaul of the institution's leadership. The team focused on advancing justice and equity through arts programming aimed at reaching diverse audiences, including initiatives like commissioning works by Black composers. The exact reasons for the layoffs remain unclear, but they coincide with Trump ousting previous board members and implementing new guidelines that target 'woke' programming. Following the changes, there are indications that more layoffs could follow, with the new leadership reportedly instructing the programming team to cease all social impact initiatives. The move has sparked significant backlash from artists and advocates, with many expressing concerns about the future of diversity in programming at the center. The Kennedy Center, previously known for its bipartisan approach, is now facing unprecedented shifts under the new administration.