Making his first visit to the Kennedy Center in Washington since his contentious takeover in February, Donald Trump criticized the venue’s structures, expressed interest in presiding over its annual honors ceremony by asserting he was “the king of ratings, whether we like it or not,” and made a remark about a popular musical that had ended its run in opposition to his actions.
“I’ve never been a big fan of Hamilton,” the president remarked.
Just two weeks prior, Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller stated that the Broadway sensation could not “in good conscience participate in this new culture being imposed on the Kennedy Center.”
The Kennedy Center, located on the banks of the Potomac River, is a prestigious cultural institution. Trump visited on Monday, accompanied by an entourage that included Susie Wiles, his White House chief of staff; country singer and Trump supporter Lee Greenwood; and Fox News hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham.
Addressing reporters, Trump stated: “We’re here to conduct our first board meeting.”
The New York Times acquired a recording of this meeting.
According to the Times, the former NBC reality star suggested hosting the annual Kennedy Honors ceremony himself, asserting, “I’m the king of ratings, whether we like it or not.”
“Once you announce that, every network will start bidding on it, going wild, and that’s just how it is,” Trump commented.
He also floated the idea of posthumous honors for musical legends such as Elvis Presley and Luciano Pavarotti, adding: “We’re going to secure some very impressive shows. I believe Les Mis is on the way.”
Les Misérables is scheduled to perform at the Kennedy in June and July, a commitment made before Trump’s election last November.
Trump also expressed frustration that arranging for a performance of Greenwood’s “a little song” – likely his famous hit, God Bless the USA – was thwarted by a $30,000 fee to move a piano.
The Kennedy Center was established in 1971 to honor John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, who was assassinated in 1963. On Monday, according to the Times, Trump lamented the condition of the buildings, targeting recent renovations.
“The Kennedy Center is in significant disrepair,” Trump remarked. The former New York business magnate also criticized the exterior columns, stating, “They should be covered with something – marble, granite, or whatever – and promised to “bring [the building] into more modern times.”
“It’s crucial to make this place great,” Trump asserted. “It’s a major part of the fabric of Washington, DC.”
David Rubenstein, a billionaire philanthropist, was the Kennedy Center’s longtime chairperson until being removed amid Trump’s takeover.
Trump commented: “I know the person who managed it; he’s a decent guy. I had no idea it was in such dire condition.”
On Tuesday, Rubenstein did not immediately reply to a request for comment from the Guardian.
The Times further reported that prior to the board meeting, Trump proposed a resolution granting him greater authority over the selection of artists and artwork. The paper quoted Trump as saying: “In the past, radical left lunatics have been selected. I didn’t agree with that.”
Referring to the recent exhibitions at the Kennedy Center that included portraits of Trump, his wife Melania, Vice-President JD Vance, and his wife Usha, the Times noted that the Vances attended a classical music concert last weekend.
As reported by the Guardian, the second couple faced boos and jeers as they took their seats, met with cries of “You’ve ruined this place,” to which the vice-president waved in response.
