Summary

Ticket sales at the Kennedy Center dropped 50% after Trump overhauled its board, installed himself as chairman, and fired president Deborah Rutter.

Trump framed the changes as a fight against “woke” culture, leading to the cancellation of performances, including a children’s musical and a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus.

Several artists and board members, including Issa Rae and Shonda Rhimes, withdrew in protest.

The White House defended the move, saying it aims to restore the center’s prestige by aligning it with “America’s great history and traditions.”