Shonda Rhimes Quits Kennedy Center Board as Trump Takes Over
Shonda Rhimes has officially resigned from the Kennedy Center Board following a controversial leadership shift that saw former President Donald Trump elected as chair.
The departure of the creator of the series “Grey’s Anatomy” follows the board’s vote to install Trump as chair and the abrupt termination of Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter’s contract. The Shondaland CEO had also served as the institution’s treasurer.
Rutter, who had held the position since 2014, had initially planned to step down at the end of 2025. However, Wednesday’s board decision removed her from the role effective immediately, replacing her with Richard Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, as interim president.
Rhimes confirmed the news and shared a screenshot of the announcement. In her caption, she quoted former President John F. Kennedy, saying, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”
Rhimes is not the only high-profile figure to sever ties with the Kennedy Center in response to the shakeup. Trump’s takeover has sparked significant backlash within the entertainment and arts communities, with actress and director Issa Rae among those taking a stand.
The “Insecure” creator announced Thursday (Feb. 13) that she was canceling her sold-out “An Evening with Issa Rae” appearance at the Kennedy Center, which had been scheduled for March 16.
In a statement posted to her Instagram Story, Rae explained her decision:
“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue.”
As of Thursday afternoon, her event was removed from the Kennedy Center’s website, and all ticket holders were promised refunds.
