WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former President Donald J. Trump announced plans to remove multiple members of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees, including its chairman, as part of what he described as an effort to restore a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”
In a statement posted to social media, Trump said he would be appointing a new board and personally selecting the next chairman. He criticized the Kennedy Center for hosting drag performances, which he claimed were “specifically targeting our youth,” and vowed to put an end to such programming.
“The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation,” Trump wrote. “For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
The Kennedy Center, a federally funded cultural institution, has historically operated with a board appointed by the sitting president. It remains unclear how Trump’s proposed changes would be implemented or whether legal challenges may arise.
Here are some movies and TV shows that have featured the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.:
Movies:
- All the President’s Men (1976) – While not explicitly stating the Kennedy Center, the film is set in Washington, D.C., and the Kennedy Center is a notable landmark in the city.
- Dave (1993) – This political comedy features a scene at the Kennedy Center where the president attends an event.
- The Pelican Brief (1993) – Scenes were filmed in Washington, D.C., including areas near the Kennedy Center.
- Absolute Power (1997) – The Kennedy Center’s iconic exterior is visible in some shots, given its proximity to other significant D.C. locations.
- The West Wing (film scenes in TV series context) – While primarily a TV show, the movie-like quality of some episodes includes scenes at or near the Kennedy Center.
- State of Play (2009) – The film involves various Washington locations, including the Kennedy Center.
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) – The Kennedy Center is seen during action sequences set in Washington, D.C.
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – The Kennedy Center is visible in the aerial shots of Washington, D.C.
TV Shows:
- The West Wing – Several episodes feature scenes at the Kennedy Center, especially during state dinners or cultural events.
- House of Cards – The Kennedy Center appears in various episodes, with some scenes depicting events or galas.
- Scandal – The show, set in Washington, D.C., uses the Kennedy Center for background shots or specific events.
- Veep – While not overly focused on the Kennedy Center, it’s shown in the backdrop of several political scenes.
- The Americans – Given its setting in Washington, the Kennedy Center appears in some establishing shots or scenes.