Kennedy Center, Washington
The Trump Administration proposes $257 million boost for Kennedy Center, more than six times its normal annual support. American media report that this funding was specifically requested by the president, who occupied the chairman seat of the Center’s board earlier this year.
The proposal arrives alongside decisions to pull funding from other cultural initiatives. Heather Noonan, vice president for advocacy at the League of American Orchestras, said that while member organizations are still learning the extent of the cuts, those impacted so far span the country, and include both youth and professional orchestras.
Since Trump’s hostile takeover the Center has dismissed around 40 staffers.
Trump is expected to attend a fundraiser and performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center. Sponsorship levels for the event range from $100,000 to $2 million and include photo opportunities with the fascist dictator.
