The newest member of the Kennedy Center board.
Yesterday, it was announced that President Donald Trump appointed Lee Greenwood to the Kennedy Center board, after it was announced that President Trump would be the new chairman of the performing arts center’s board.
Of course, Greenwood has played an important role in the political life of President Trump over the last decade or so, as his song, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” was used at pretty much every campaign event and rally, with Greenwood himself often showing up to sing it live.
He’s a vocal supporter of the President, and while he’s certainly not the most high-profile or high-caliber artist that could’ve been chosen, it makes sense he would be selected considering their close friendship over the years.
Many of us probably mostly know of the Kennedy Center, officially titled The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, because of the annual Kennedy Center Honors event that inducts a new group of artists and entertainers each year.
Located in Washington, D.C., it’s a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and notable country acts who have been honored over the years include legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, George Jones and many more.
On Truth Social, President Trump shared that he was “unanimously elected Chairman of the Board”
“President Donald J. Trump was just unanimously elected Chairman of the Board of the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!”
According to USA TODAY, the President was elected by a board that was comprised of members he appointed, and obviously it excluded the 18 Democratic appointees that were serving on the board, that have all either stepped down or bet let go as of this week.
Notably, Shonda Rhimes, Ben Folds and Renée Fleming all resigned from their appointment after Trump’s announcement that he would be the chairmen.
Some other familiar names will now serve on the board alongside the President, including Second Lady Usha Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Allison Lutnick (wife of Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce), Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office Sergio Gor and philanthropist and GOP donor Patricia Duggan.
The most recent Kennedy Centers Honors event took place in December of 2024, so it will be a while until they nominated the next class, though I have to imagine it will include a country singer or two since Greenwood is involved and President Trump is friends with the likes of Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, who have both performed at events there but never been honored themselves… now that would be something.
Of course, Greenwood most recently performed “God Bless the U.S.A.” at President Trump’s inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20th, and also sang it at Trump’s victory rally on eve of Inauguration Day, which you can watch below.
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