Former President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News hosts Laura Ingraham and Maria
Bartiromo to the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This move places two of his most vocal media allies in influential positions within the prestigious cultural institution, which serves as the United States’ national cultural center.
The Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, which oversees operations and programming at the
center, consists of individuals appointed by the sitting president, as well as members of Congress and other cultural figures. Traditionally, appointees have included philanthropists, artists, and individuals with a strong background in the arts. However, Trump’s selection of Ingraham and Bartiromo, both of whom are known for their conservative political commentary and unwavering support of his administration, marks a distinct shift in the type of figures being added to the board.
Laura Ingraham, the host of The Ingraham Angle on Fox News, has been a longtime advocate for Trump’s policies and has often defended him on her show. She is known for her hardline conservative views on issues such as immigration, law and order, and media bias. Throughout Trump’s presidency, she provided a platform for his administration’s officials and aligned herself with many of his political stances. Prior to her career in broadcasting, Ingraham worked as a speechwriter in the Reagan administration and later became a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Her background in law and politics, combined with her role as a major conservative media voice, has made her one of Trump’s staunchest defenders in the press.
Similarly, Maria Bartiromo, the anchor of Mornings with Maria and Sunday Morning Futures on Fox Business, has been a strong supporter of Trump’s economic policies. She became one of the most influential financial journalists in conservative media, frequently highlighting the administration’s tax cuts, deregulation efforts, and stock market gains. During Trump’s presidency, Bartiromo was given several exclusive interviews with him, further solidifying her reputation as one of his most trusted media allies. Before joining Fox, she built her career as a pioneering financial news anchor on CNBC, where she became the first journalist to broadcast live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
The appointments of Ingraham and Bartiromo have raised eyebrows among critics who argue that the Kennedy Center board should be composed of individuals with strong backgrounds in the performing arts rather than partisan political figures. While past administrations have also appointed political allies to the board, Trump’s choices appear to be more ideologically driven, given that both Ingraham and Bartiromo have built their careers in political and financial media rather than the arts. Some view their selection as part of a broader pattern of Trump rewarding loyalty, as he has done with other political and media allies throughout his presidency.
Supporters of the move, however, argue that both Ingraham and Bartiromo bring valuable perspectives to the board. They contend that their media influence and knowledge of political and economic issues could benefit the Kennedy Center, particularly in terms of fundraising, outreach, and shaping policies that align with conservative values. Additionally, some conservatives see their appointments as a necessary counterbalance to what they perceive as a historically liberal-leaning cultural institution.
Trump’s decision to appoint the two Fox News hosts follows his history of selecting media personalities for government positions. Throughout his presidency, he often turned to television commentators for advice and appointments, valuing their ability to communicate with his base. This trend was evident in his hiring of former Fox News contributor John Bolton as National Security Advisor, as well as his decision to bring former Fox & Friends host Heather Nauert into the State Department.
The Kennedy Center, established in 1971 and named after President John F. Kennedy, serves as a major venue for theater, opera, ballet, and music performances. It receives funding from both private donors and the federal government, making its governance a mix of artistic and political considerations. The board of trustees plays a critical role in ensuring the center’s financial stability and artistic direction.
Trump’s appointments come at a time when the Kennedy Center has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of numerous performances and a significant decline in revenue. While the center received emergency funding from Congress, it has continued to struggle with financial uncertainty. Some speculate that Ingraham and Bartiromo’s presence on the board could lead to a shift in how the institution engages with conservative audiences and donors.
It remains to be seen how their appointments will impact the Kennedy Center in the long term. Given their backgrounds in conservative media rather than the arts, their roles on the board could spark debate about the influence of politics on cultural institutions. Whether they actively shape the direction of the Kennedy Center or serve in more symbolic positions, their appointments highlight Trump’s ongoing efforts to place loyalists in key positions of influence, even after leaving office.
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