Who is shaping Trump’s cultural realignment?

Who is shaping Trump’s cultural realignment?

In his first term, Donald Trump largely avoided America’s cultural institutions, skipping the Kennedy Centre Honors and offering symbolic gestures like a planned statue garden. But in his second term, he has shifted course. He made himself chairman of the Kennedy Centre, revived the garden of American Heroes, and moved to increase oversight of the Smithsonian. His approach frames museums and arts groups as battlegrounds in the fight against “woke” narratives, the New York Times reported.

The Smithsonian Institution, which operates some of Washington’s most important museums, has become a prime target. Trump signed an order directing a review of its programming to ensure what he calls “historically accurate and constructive” narratives. Lindsey Halligan, a lawyer with no museum experience but close White House ties, is leading the review. The Smithsonian, which depends heavily on federal funding, has not commented, but staff worry about political interference.

Trump has also pushed for a $200 million expansion of the East Wing: a permanent ballroom large enough to host 650 people. Architect James McCrery II, known for his traditionalist style, has been tapped to design it. His work with the National Civic Art Society aligns with Trump’s “make federal buildings beautiful again” mantra. The ballroom, officials say, will be privately funded, though critics see it as another sign of Trump reshaping Washington’s cultural footprint.

Trump removed Biden-era board members and installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Centre. Richard Grenell, a political operative and former ambassador, now runs the venue. He has cut staff, sought more corporate events, and promised conservative-friendly programming such as large-scale Christmas celebrations. While Trump portrays the centre as suffering from “woke propaganda,” previous leaders insist it was financially stable. Some productions, including the musical “Hamilton,” have already cancelled performances in protest.

The National Endowment for the Arts, long opposed by conservatives, faces elimination under Trump’s 2026 budget proposal. Chairwoman Mary Anne Carter, a political consultant reappointed to lead the agency, has suspended diversity-related programs and redirected funds toward projects celebrating US heritage. While Carter highlights arts therapy for veterans and national initiatives, critics say cutting grants to local groups undermines communities and reduces support for artists working outside government-approved themes.

Trump has resurrected plans for a National Garden of American Heroes, first proposed in 2020. With a list of 250 figures ranging from George Washington to Elvis Presley and Kobe Bryant, the project reflects his vision of patriotism in marble and bronze. Vince Haley, Trump’s policy adviser and speechwriter turned Domestic Policy Council director, oversees the effort. Though land near Mount Rushmore has been offered, officials admit the park is unlikely to open before 2029.

Trump’s moves to reshape America’s cultural landscape—through museums, arts funding, and symbolic monuments—mark a sharp departure from past presidents who kept an arm’s length from cultural policy. Supporters say he is restoring pride in US history. Critics argue he is politicizing independent institutions and sidelining diverse voices. As the US approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Trump’s cultural realignment is poised to shape not only the arts but the country’s identity narrative.