WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — For the first time since he appointed himself chair of the Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump attended his first board meeting and said he’d be making big changes.
While touring the Kennedy Center on Monday, Trump said the money given to the center has not been properly spent.
A small group of protestors also gathered outside, sharing their frustrations that the president has taken over the historically bipartisan venue.
Trump’s visit comes as a number of performers and performances have canceled shows, including Issa Rae and Hamilton.
Trump was asked about that, and told reporters he “never liked” Hamilton.
During his tour, he was also critical of what the Kennedy Center looked like, calling it a “big part of D.C.”
“I’m going to make a lot of changes, including the seats, the decor, pretty much everything needs a lot of work,” he said, speaking from the president’s box.
In the weeks since he named himself Kennedy Center chairman, Trump has taken aim at the shows performed, calling them ‘woke.’ Now, he’s focusing on the design and space.
“I never realized this was in such bad shape,” he said.
The Kennedy Center’s operations and maintenance are funded by Congress. However, much of its budget comes from private donations and ticket sales.
A small group of protestors, including Barbara Cohen-King, who came from Frederick, Md., stood outside the center as Trump led the board meeting. She is concerned about changes he could make.
“This is some place for us, for the people,” she said. “And I feel that he is going to change what the meaning of the arts is here.”
One supporter of the president, Alysia McMillan, said she doesn’t have a strong opinion on the center. However, she did say she hopes “we will get to having more wholesome performances.”
Before Trump’s tour, Mayor Muriel Bowser was asked about Trump’s new role. She said he and his team have “big shoes to fill.”
“I hope that they have a robust plan to bring the arts, celebrate the arts, the diversity of the arts in Washington DC,” she said.
Trump was also asked about the Kennedy Center Honors, which he skipped during his first term in office. He told reporters he felt no one was selected for those honors unless they were “radical left” but did say they would continue.
