Celebrities Depart Kennedy Center Following Trump's Chair Election

Donald Trump's election as chairman of the Kennedy Center has spurred a significant exodus of prominent celebrities from the organization. Following the dismissal of President Deborah Rutter and the appointment of a new board filled with Trump's selections, several notable figures, including Shonda Rhimes, Ben Folds, and Renée Fleming, announced their resignations. Trump expressed his honor in taking on the role and pledged to transform the Kennedy Center into a 'very special and exciting place.' Rhimes and Fleming both emphasized their respect for the previous leadership and the bipartisan support the institution has historically enjoyed. Folds cited the recent developments as his reason for stepping down as an artistic adviser. The Kennedy Center, a leading cultural institution, has faced criticism for this shift in governance, reflecting broader political tensions in the arts community.