Shonda Rhimes resigns from Kennedy Center—and the reason is Trump
What's the story
Shonda Rhimes, the acclaimed writer-producer and former treasurer of the Kennedy Center, has resigned from her position.
The reason? US President Donald Trump.
The decision came after the arts institution was recently taken over by the American President.
A representative for Rhimes confirmed her departure on Thursday, saying: "Please be advised that as of today, Shonda Rhimes has resigned from the board of the Kennedy Center."
Rhimes also shared a news clipping to suggest the same.
Board upheaval
Rhimes's resignation follows Trump's controversial board changes
Rhimes was appointed to the Kennedy Center board by former President Barack Obama and was its treasurer.
Her resignation comes after Trump dismissed board members appointed by his successor Joe Biden, leaving only his loyalists on the board.
The move broke with the Kennedy Center's long-standing tradition of bipartisan representation.
The newly constituted board then elected Trump as its chairman on Thursday.
Leadership shift
Ric Grenell steps in as interim president amid leadership changes
After Trump was elected chairman, his special envoy Ric Grenell was made interim president of the Kennedy Center.
He succeeds Deborah Rutter, who had said she would step down as president at the end of this year after over a decade-long tenure.
The new board includes White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief Dan Scavino, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Second Lady Usha Vance.
Political alignment
Rhimes's political stance and commitment to diversity
Rhimes's resignation wasn't surprising considering she was a supporter of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
She has been a staunch advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion—values that Trump is reportedly attacking.
The future of the Kennedy Center Honors now remains uncertain after these high-profile exits.
Programming dispute
Trump's criticism of Kennedy Center's programming
Trump has openly slammed what he sees as the Kennedy Center's "woke" programming.
This is even though this year's lineup features mainstream shows such as Les Miserables and Riverdance 30 - The New Generation.
The Kennedy Center will also host a World Pride Event in Washington, D.C., in June, an event that organizers call a "celebration of diversity and unity."
Separately, Rhimes is known for creating popular projects such as the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.