Ben Folds has sparked controversy in Washington D.C., decrying the politicisation of art under Donald Trump's leadership at the Kennedy Center. The renowned singer-songwriter and former artistic advisor to the centre's National Symphony Orchestra shared his concerns before Congress, highlighting how the institution had become a "hyper-politicised environment" since Trump's appointment as chairman in 2025.
Testifying at a Congressional forum yesterday, Folds recounted that during his tenure prior to Trump's involvement, artistic discussions were free from politics. "We focused on what we do best: creating, educating and showcasing art for all Americans," he said. In stark contrast, Folds alleged that under Trump's chairmanship, the centre had been hijacked by partisan agendas, transforming it into propaganda.
The situation escalated when the Trump-appointed board voted to rename the Kennedy Center the "Trump-Kennedy Center", sparking widespread outrage and a subsequent court ruling that such a change required Congressional approval. This development highlights the contentious legacy of Trump's leadership at the centre, which has been plagued by financial woes and artistic censorship.
Notably, Folds' open letter last month revealed the dire state of affairs at the Kennedy Center, with allegations of "financial turmoil" and a breakdown in its once-successful business model. He cited instances such as singer Yasmin Levy being booed during a concert after criticising the board as an example of the changed atmosphere. This sentiment was echoed by other artists who boycotted the centre when Trump's name was added, with composer Stephen Schwartz stating it no longer represented the apolitical space for free artistic expression it was founded to be.
The Kennedy Center is being cited as just one example of "Trump's vanity projects", which have allegedly wasted hundreds of millions of tax dollars. This has sparked scrutiny from Congressional lawmakers who will continue to debate the centre's future and the impact of Trump's leadership on its mission and finances.