Ben Folds Resigns from Kennedy Center Due to Political Environment

Ben Folds, the former artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, announced his resignation, citing a politically charged atmosphere at the Kennedy Center following Donald Trump's appointment as chair of the Board of Trustees. Folds expressed concern that artists performing at the Center risk being perceived as endorsing the Trump administration, stating, "Declining an invitation to perform at the Kennedy Center will have an equal and opposite political effect." He noted that the political agenda influenced artist bookings and raised concerns about potential retribution against artists who might express dissenting views. Folds also disputed claims made by Trump regarding the financial state of the Kennedy Center prior to his takeover, asserting that it had been successful. He urged congressional leaders to acknowledge the negative impact of the administration's actions on the arts, stating, "The takeover hobbled the Kennedy Center, broke its once-proven successful business model and disrespected its original core mission." Folds highlighted issues such as declining ticket sales and artist cancellations since Trump's involvement.