Kennedy Center takeover prompts Ben Folds testimony to Congress

Donald Trump overhauled the Kennedy Center's board in 2025, appointed himself chairman, renamed the landmark after his own name and announced plans to close the venue for a two‑year renovation. A federal judge later ruled the renaming unlawful and ordered the removal of Trump's name.

Ben Folds, who served as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Center, resigned after the changes made the institution a "hyper‑politicized environment." He testified before a congressional forum chaired by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Robert Garcia, titled “Monumental Waste – How Donald Trump Is Spending Millions Destroying American Landmarks.” Folds warned that artists could face retribution for performances perceived as endorsing the administration, describing the politicization of the arts as propaganda and explaining why he could no longer fulfill his role.

His statements highlight concerns about political interference in cultural institutions and have prompted further scrutiny of the Kennedy Center’s governance.