Renée Fleming Cuts Ties With Kennedy Center Following Trump Takeover

The star soprano Renée Fleming announced her resignation from her post as Artistic Advisor at Large for the Kennedy Center. Fleming’s resignation follows Donald Trump’s self-appointment as Chairman of the Kennedy Center.

Driving the news: In a Facebook post on February 12th, the soprano Renée Fleming announced her resignation as Artistic Advisor at Large for the Kennedy Center. Fleming’s resignation follows Donald Trump’s February 7th declaration on Truth Social that he would serve as the Kennedy Center’s Chairman. Trump cited the Kennedy Center’s drag shows as one concern he had with the Center. He removed all Biden appointees from the board and fired Chairman David Rubenstein and President Deborah Rutter. Fleming noted that she treasured David Rubenstein and Deborah Rutter’s bipartisan support for the Kennedy Center, and that she hopes the Center will continue to serve diverse audiences.

The follow-up: Many have noted how Trump’s actions echo those of authoritarian regimes in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, who understood that controlling the arts meant controlling public thought. Artists including Issa Rae, Ben Folds, Low Cut Connie, and Shonda Rhimes have also cancelled appearances and cut ties with the Kennedy Center following Trump’s takeover.

The folk singer Joan Baez posted on Facebook to thank Renée Fleming for her leadership in stepping down from the Kennedy Center. Brava to Ms. Fleming and others who have taken a stand against this frightening development. — SS

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Sara Schabas

Sara Schabas is a Dora-nominated soprano, writer and yoga teacher. She has performed and created leading roles with companies including Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Dayton Opera, and Aspen Opera, and is a former member of Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists. Currently based in Montreal, she is a doctoral student at McGill University — where she recently received the Wirth Vocal Prize — and editor of Art Song Canada magazine.