US President Donald Trump has appointed Richard Grenell as interim executive director of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.
This decision came after Trump appointed himself head of this cultural center.
"I am pleased to announce that Ric Grenell will serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Kennedy Center. Ric shares my vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center. No drag shows or other anti-American propaganda - only the best. Ric, welcome to the world of show business," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
On Friday, Trump announced the dismissal of the Kennedy Center board.
The Kennedy Center, which receives federal funding, is one of the nation's premier arts venues and has long enjoyed bipartisan support, the Guardian reports.
Its program includes classical music concerts, dance performances such as Alvin Ailey and The Nutcracker, magic shows, operas, and numerous performances aimed specifically at children.
Her list of musicals over the past two years has included Frozen, Funny Girl, Les Misérables, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Moulin Rouge, Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard and Wicked.
During his first term in office, Trump ignored the annual Kennedy Center Honors, considered the nation's highest honor for achievement in the arts. Joe Biden was honored in each of his four years in office.
In December 2024, at the last show Biden attended, the center's leaders made it clear that Trump is welcome to come in the future.
The Kennedy Center is considered a living memorial to former President John F Kennedy, and its exterior wall is engraved with quotes from the 35th president. One reads: “I look forward to an America that will reward achievement in the arts, just as we reward achievement in business or government.
“I look forward to an America that will steadily raise the standards of artistic achievement and that will continually expand cultural opportunities for all of our citizens. And I look forward to an America that demands respect throughout the world not only for its strength but also for its civilization.”