Trump's move to the top of the Kennedy Center prompts exodus from some of its biggest stars

Several prominent members of the Kennedy Center's circle, including some of its biggest stars, announced Wednesday that they would leave the venue now that President Donald Trump has become the chairman of its new board.

Trump was unanimously elected as the board's chairman earlier Wednesday, after he announced last week that he would take over the center and remove some of its previous board members, which he would replace with his allies.

Musician Ben Folds led the way in departing the center, announcing that he would resign as artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra because of "developments at the Kennedy Center." He has worked with the center for eight years.

Renowned opera singer Renee Fleming followed Folds in announcing she was resigning her post as artistic adviser at large to the Kennedy Center, according to The Hill.

“I’ve treasured the bi-partisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best," Fleming said. "I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country.”

Famed Hollywood writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, who created the hit shows Greys Anatomy and Bridgerton, also reportedly resigned from the board, per Deadline.

Trump has replaced the departed board members with singer Lee Greenwood, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and second lady Usha Vance, among others.

The moves have been confirmed by the Kennedy Center, which said that the changes were in effect "immediately." 

“The Board also terminated Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter’s contract and announced Richard Grenell as interim Kennedy Center President,” the center said in a statement.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.