The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will begin every National Symphony Orchestra concert in the 2025-2026 season with the national anthem. This patriotic initiative aligns with preparations for America's 250th anniversary in 2026. The change reflects broader reforms under new leadership aimed at restoring traditional values and financial stability.
The National Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1931 and performing about 150 concerts each year, will open all its 2025-2026 season performances at the Kennedy Center with the national anthem. Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell stated, “The National Symphony should be playing the National Anthem.” This decision coincides with the Trump administration's plans to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next summer.
The initiative is part of sweeping changes at the Kennedy Center since President Donald Trump assumed the role of chair and appointed Grenell as president. In February, Trump announced, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN.” He specifically criticized past programming, noting, “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.” These reforms have sparked backlash from the left, including protests via interpretive dancing.
Financially, the center faced a $40 million debt, prompting major staff cuts. Chief Financial Officer Donna Arduin explained, “The former leadership built a broken budget with an operating deficit of 100 million dollars and a bottom-line deficit of 26 million dollars.” She added that the previous fiscal year 2025 budget included $26 million in fictitious funds, misleading board members about a balanced budget. Under new management, the budget has been truly balanced. Grenell has hired department leaders at lower salaries, including his own, which is significantly less than his predecessor's. Arduin noted the center will now “adopt business practices with performance goals to bring accountability to our patrons and philanthropists.”