Ben Folds Warns of Artistic Retribution Under Trump’s Kennedy Center Takeover: “I Could Not Trust That Artists I Booked Would Be Safe”
Ben Folds, the former artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, has publicly criticized Donald Trump’s management of the Kennedy Center, expressing concerns over potential political retribution faced by artists performing there. Folds articulated his fears during a congressional forum, highlighting the increasingly partisan atmosphere under the current administration.
Concerns Over Artistic Freedom
Folds stated that the current political climate has made it difficult for him to trust that artists he booked at the Kennedy Center would be safe from backlash if they expressed views contrary to those of the Trump administration. He emphasized that he felt unable to fulfill his role effectively, leading to his resignation with “great sadness.”
He remarked, “With the new partisan toxic environment under the current administration, I could not trust that artists I booked at the Kennedy Center would be safe from retribution if they said or sung something that might displease the president or his political lackeys who now controlled the Center.”
The Political Landscape for Artists
The indie-pop singer noted that artists who accept performance invitations at the Kennedy Center risk being perceived as endorsing the Trump administration and its policies. Conversely, declining such invitations could also carry political ramifications. While some artists may thrive in this environment, many prefer to distance themselves from it, choosing to create and perform elsewhere.
Folds made these comments during a forum convened by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), titled “Monumental Waste: How Donald Trump Is Spending Millions Destroying American Landmarks.” The discussion included Trump’s renovation projects, such as the East Wing of the White House and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Artistic Advisor Role and Resignation
Folds recounted his experience as the first artistic advisor for the National Symphony Orchestra during the initial Trump administration. His role involved curating programming and bringing in artists like Jon Batiste and Sara Bareilles to perform with the orchestra. However, he noted that once Trump appointed his own board members and took on the chair position at the Kennedy Center, he felt the influence of Trump’s political agenda encroaching on the institution.
He stated, “I think most of us understand that when you politicize art, you get propaganda.” This sentiment reflects his belief that the integrity of the arts is compromised when influenced by political motives.
Legal Challenges and Financial Claims
Following Trump’s takeover, he affixed his name to the Kennedy Center and announced plans for a two-year closure for renovations. A judge ruled in May that the renaming was unlawful, ordering Trump to remove his name from the building and temporarily halting the planned closure. This legal action stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees.
Trump has claimed that his takeover was necessary due to the Kennedy Center’s financial difficulties. However, Folds disputed this assertion, stating, “We had straight, sold-out shows on our programs, and as far as I knew, at least a few years came up in the black there. It is really, really impressive, and so no, I think the Kennedy Center was going through some golden years, in my opinion.”
Uncertain Future for the Kennedy Center
With the future of the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra now uncertain, many artists have withdrawn their programming from the venue. Folds expressed concern over the leadership and management of the Kennedy Center, emphasizing the need for experienced arts administrators.
He remarked, “You have to marvel at anyone who would believe they could run the business of the Kennedy Center with no prior arts administration experience at all.” He pointed to dwindling audiences, the exit of the Washington National Opera, and the dismantling of national public education outreach programs as evidence of mismanagement.
Folds further stated that the takeover has damaged the Kennedy Center’s successful business model and disrespected its original mission. He called for a revival of the institution, urging for leadership that prioritizes artistic integrity over political agendas.
A Call for Change
Folds concluded his remarks by advocating for a Kennedy Center led by qualified arts administrators who can separate politics from the arts. He expressed hope that concerns regarding the current state of the institution would resonate with lawmakers across party lines.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-07-22 01:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk