In the latest shockwave to hit Washington’s premier performing arts institution, multi-hyphenate creator Issa Rae has pulled the plug on her upcoming Kennedy Center appearance following U.S. President Donald Trump’s installation as chair.
The “Insecure” creator-star announced via Instagram Stories Thursday that she’s scrapping “An Evening with Issa Rae,” which had reached sellout status. Rae cited concerns over “an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums.”
The move comes amid a broader exodus of entertainment industry figures from the cultural landmark. “Bridgerton” producer Shonda Rhimes has resigned from her board position, marking her exit with a pointed Instagram post quoting JFK: “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”
Ben Folds, who served as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra for eight years, also headed for the exit Wednesday. “Not for me,” the musician posted on Instagram, while praising Kennedy Center president Deb Rutter, fellow advisor Renee Fleming, and the NSO staff.
The institutional upheaval follows Trump’s aggressive push to overhaul the center’s board of trustees, placing the D.C. venue squarely in the crosshairs of America’s culture wars. In a Feb. 7 Truth Social post, the President took aim at the center’s programming choices, specifically calling out drag shows that he claimed targeted youth, declaring “THIS WILL STOP.”
Trump proclaimed the Kennedy Center “an American Jewel” that “must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation,” adding, “THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
The center has confirmed Trump’s chairmanship, alongside a slate of new board members appointed to replace trustees previously installed by Democratic presidents.
Full refunds will be issued for Rae’s canceled event.
