Who are the board members of Kennedy Center? Former and new board member list explored as Trump appointed new president

The recent reorganization of the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees represents a major change in its leadership pattern, especially with the elevation of President Donald Trump to the post of its new chairman. Trump, on February 12, 2025, was elected unanimously as the Chairman of the Kennedy Center to replace David M. Rubenstein, a noted philanthropist who had been holding the chairmanship before him.

Trump's election was made possible by a newly inaugurated board made up of his entire appointees, after the removal of 18 members who were appointed under Biden's administration.

The new board consists of:

1. Usha Vance: Spouse of Vice President JD Vance
2. Susie Wiles: Chief of Staff
3. Dan Scavino: Deputy Chief of Staff
4. Sergio Gor: White House Personnel Office Director
5. Richard Grenell: Installed as interim president, having formerly been acting director of national intelligence.

Other members include: Allison Lutnick, Lynda Lomangino, Mindy Levine, Pamela Gross, John Falconetti, Cheri Summerall, Emilia May Fanjul, Patricia Duggan, and Dana Blumberg.

The Kennedy Center's governance, which has always had a nonpartisan board makeup, has undergone a dramatic shift with this novel decision.

Former members were notable individuals like:

• David M. Rubenstein (Former Chairman)
• Deborah Rutter (Former President)
• Shonda Rhimes (Former Treasurer)

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President Trump chairs the Kennedy Center

On Wednesday, the President posted on his Truth platform:

"It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!"

In another post on February 7, Trump stated:

“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”

“The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

He has also in the past denounced elements of the center's programming as "too liberal" and signaled an intent to rid its productions of what he refers to as "woke" culture.

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Historical context and future implications

The Kennedy Center has long functioned with a bipartisan board model since its founding in 1971. Members are usually appointed to six-year terms and are meant to represent different political perspectives.

But Trump's recent moves have overturned this paradigm completely.

The center's governing structure makes such alterations by an incumbent president possible, but this is the first time a whole board has been overhauled.

The response to these moves has been ambivalent. A few artistic consultants have quit in protest, including soprano Renée Fleming and producer Shonda Rhimes.

Fleming took to Instagram to share:

“Given the developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me.”

"It's been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music."

Dedicated to fostering and displaying a wide range of performing arts, such as theatre, dance, jazz, classical music, and more, the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts was founded as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy.