Key Takeaways:
- Donald Trump took over the Kennedy Center and vowed to stop drag performances.
- The new season features shows with drag themes despite his promises.
- Some artists refused to perform due to Trump’s changes.
- The Kennedy Center is one of the most prestigious arts organizations in the U.S.
Drag Queens Take Center Stage at Trump’s Kennedy Center
Donald Trump made headlines recently after he took control of the Kennedy Center, a world-famous performing arts center in Washington, D.C. He promised to make big changes, including stopping drag performances. However, the newly announced lineup for the upcoming season tells a different story.
The Kennedy Center’s new season, revealed earlier this week, includes several shows featuring drag queens or drag themes. For example, Mrs. Doubtfire, a story about a man dressed as a nanny, and Chicago, which includes a character whose wig is pulled off to reveal a surprise, are part of the lineup. Moulin Rouge also features a drag queen character known as the Baby Doll.
These shows seem to contradict Trump’s earlier statements. Last year, he criticized the Kennedy Center for hosting drag shows aimed at young people, calling it “woke” and vowing to put a stop to it.
Trump’s Vision for the Kennedy Center
When Trump took over as chairman of the Kennedy Center in February, he promised to rid the institution of what he called “wokeness.” He also claimed he would bring back “family-friendly programming” to attract bigger audiences.
During the announcement of the new season, Trump bragged about eliminating diversity and inclusion initiatives (known as DEI) at the center. He said he was proud to have restored what he considers traditional, family-friendly shows.
Artists Push Back Against Trump’s Changes
The selection of shows for the new season was more limited than usual. Many artists and performers refused to work with the Kennedy Center after Trump took over. Some criticized his leadership and the changes he’s made to the institution’s direction.
The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy and hosts over 2,000 performances each year. It’s known for showcasing a wide range of artistic genres, including music, theater, and dance.
A Surprise for Everyone
Despite Trump’s efforts to steer the Kennedy Center in a different direction, the new lineup suggests that drag and related themes are still very much present. It’s a surprising twist for an institution now under Trump’s leadership.
Whether or not this lineup will attract the large audiences Trump hopes for remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Kennedy Center’s new season has already sparked a lot of conversation.