Story perspectives

Trump's Appointments Spark Artist Protests at Kennedy Center

1/13/2026

Center

Trump Appoints Allies

President Donald Trump appoints Richard Grenell as president of the Trump-Kennedy Center for the Arts after complaints about the center's programming.
Artists, including Issa Rae and Stephen Schwartz, cancel performances in protest over a shift from artistic neutrality.
Meta appoints Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump adviser, as president and vice chair, signaling alignment with Republican interests.
Trump praises the appointment, noting her qualifications and ties to his administration.

Right

Trump Nears Fed Decision

U.S. President Donald Trump is nearing a decision on the next Federal Reserve chair, with a final interview pending and a January 2026 announcement per Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The shortlist includes Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Christopher Waller, and Rick Rieder.
Kevin Hassett, a key advisor to Trump, supports his policies.
Kevin Warsh has criticized current Fed leadership.
Christopher Waller advocates for rate cuts, aligning with Trump's agenda.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, President Donald Trump initiated a significant shift in U.S. cultural and economic policy, proposing a budget of $148 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, reflecting reduced federal support for the arts. His administration's appointments of politically aligned figures, such as Richard Grenell, have sparked ongoing debates about artistic neutrality and economic strategies, highlighting the deepening partisan divides in governance.

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Trump Appoints Allies

President Donald Trump appoints Richard Grenell as president of the Trump-Kennedy Center for the Arts after complaints about the center's programming.
Artists, including Issa Rae and Stephen Schwartz, cancel performances in protest over a shift from artistic neutrality.
Meta appoints Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump adviser, as president and vice chair, signaling alignment with Republican interests.
Trump praises the appointment, noting her qualifications and ties to his administration.

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