President Donald Trump on Monday appointed longtime ally Ric Grenell as the interim executive director at the Kennedy Center.
The move comes after Trump announced a plan Friday night to install himself as chair and "immediately terminate" multiple individuals, including billionaire Chair David Rubenstein, "who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture."
"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 be overseeing the daily operations of the Center," Trump said in a post to Truth Social on Monday.
He added, "NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA."
The Kennedy Center in July hosted a pre-show titled "A Drag Salute to Divas" and a November "Drag Brunch."
It's unclear who Grenell replaces. Deborah Rutter served as president and last month announced plans to step down later this year. Likewise, Rubenstein's retirement had been announced for last month, but the center said he would stay on until September 2026 after Trump won the election.
Grenell has been Trump's envoy for special missions thus far in his presidency. Grenell served as ambassador to Germany during Trump's first administration. Grenell also served as acting director of national intelligence for three months in 2020.
Former President Joe Biden filled a dozen vacancies on the Kennedy Center board in his final weeks in office, appointing former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, political strategist Mike Donilon, and Democratic National Committee finance chair Chris Korge.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is also on the board, appointed by Trump in his first term, as is Elaine Chao, wife of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Trump's former Transportation secretary. Singer and songwriter Lee Greenwood, who sang his "God Bless the USA" at many Trump rallies, is also on the board.
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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