Singer Ben Folds addressed a Congressional forum on July 21, 2026, and condemned the changes at the Kennedy Center under President Donald Trump. He described the institution as a hyper-politicised environment and warned that politicising art leads to propaganda.
Folds, who served as artistic advisor for the National Symphony Orchestra until stepping down in 2025, told lawmakers that politics were never discussed during his nearly decade-long tenure. He said everyone involved knew the centre existed to create, educate and showcase art for all Americans, not to further a political agenda.
The musician also noted that artists could no longer trust they would be safe from retribution if they criticised the administration on stage. He cited an incident in September when singer Yasmin Levy was allegedly booed after criticising the board.
Multiple performers, including jazz musician Chuck Redd and composer Stephen Schwartz, withdrew from events or joined boycotts after the board voted to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center. A judge later ruled the name change required Congressional approval, and all references to Trump were removed last month.
The forum also examined other projects described as Trump vanity projects that have used hundreds of millions in tax dollars, including White House renovations.
