What’s at stake for American culture with Trump’s Kennedy Center changes
As a human rights lawyer with over two decades of experience working on issues in more than 25 countries, Hadar Harris is deeply concerned about the current state of affairs in the United States. Sitting at a table in a small workshare office in downtown Washington, Harris, who is the managing director of the Washington office of PEN America, an organization that champions literary freedoms and free expression, expressed her alarm at the developments taking place on U.S. soil.
One of the major issues that has caught Harris’s attention is the significant changes occurring at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts under the Trump administration. Named after the former U.S. President, the Kennedy Center is a national arts center that serves as a reflection of American culture, hosting a wide range of artists and productions. While some may see it as just another concert hall, Harris believes that the recent changes are about much more than just the arts.
Harris warns that the actions of the Trump administration, particularly in seeking to consolidate power and trampling on constitutional principles like freedom of expression and speech, are reminiscent of authoritarian tactics. She emphasizes that when a political leader attempts to “capture culture,” it is a dangerous sign of authoritarianism.
The recent changes at the Kennedy Center initiated by President Trump have raised significant concerns. Trump has taken the unusual step of appointing himself as chairman of the board and has made it clear that he wants to see a shift in the programming to align with his vision of a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.” This has led to the termination of multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees and criticism of certain performances that Trump deems unacceptable.
One of the consequences of these changes is the withdrawal of performers and organizations from the Kennedy Center. Award-winning television producer Shonda Rhimes, actor Issa Rae, musician Ben Folds, and the organizers of the musical Hamilton are among those who have distanced themselves from the venue in protest. Even best-selling Canadian author Louise Penny canceled her book launch at the Kennedy Center, citing concerns over the direction the institution is taking under the Trump administration.
Harris and other critics view these developments as a troubling trend towards stifling dissent and promoting a specific political agenda through the arts. They see it as an attempt to silence artists and intellectuals who may disagree with the president. In response, individuals and organizations are taking a stand to defend freedom of expression and artistic independence.
As the situation at the Kennedy Center continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting fundamental rights. Harris and others like her are committed to raising awareness and fighting against any attempts to undermine the principles of free speech and artistic freedom in the United States.
