The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is one of our country's gems, fostering talent in music, theater, and education on a national level. Unfortunately, the representation at the board level has been a point of contention, with Donald Trump and board members appointed by him receiving significant criticism. In 2019, Trump appointed seven members, steering the Center into controversial directions and destabilizing its perception in the national arts community. 

Last week, Donald Trump fired Board Chairman, David Rubenstein and other members who "do not share our vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture."  He then appointed himself as Chairman of the Board.  As his rationale for this action, he stated that last year, "the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth - THIS WILL STOP."

Trump further told reporters on Monday, February 10th that "we didn't like what they were showing... and we're going to make sure that it's good and it's not going to be woke."  Notably, Trump has never been to the Kennedy Center.

This action is a direct assault on the First Amendment to the Constitution.  Artistic Freedom is the freedom to imagine, create, and distribute diverse cultural expressions free of government censorship, political interference, or the pressures of non-state actors.

This petition calls for concerned citizens who are passionate about the arts, education, and the future of the Kennedy Center to commit to becoming members once Trump and the others he has appointed are removed from the board of trustees. 

Membership levels start at only $75 per year.  Your commitment to join can exert pressure and send a message of our collective demand for change and recovery. Express your support for the direction the Kennedy Center should be taking; pledge to join as a Member as soon as Trump and his appointees are removed. Please sign the petition today.