1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent actions taken to politicize leadership at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a revered institution that has long stood as a beacon of non-partisan support for the arts. As you are aware, the Kennedy Center was established under a unique agreement with the federal government, which explicitly grants it independence from political influence while still receiving federal support. This autonomy has been essential in ensuring that the arts remain a space for creative expression, cultural enrichment, and national unity—free from the divisive nature of partisan politics. The recent decision to dismiss Kennedy Center board members and install political appointees undermines this long-standing agreement and sets a dangerous precedent for the future of arts institutions in our country. The Kennedy Center’s mission is to serve the American public, fostering artistic excellence and accessibility rather than becoming a tool for political maneuvering. Allowing any president to exert such direct influence over its leadership contradicts the spirit of its founding and threatens the integrity of an institution meant to be above politics. I urge you to take immediate action to uphold the Kennedy Center’s non-partisan status. This could include advocating for legislative safeguards that reaffirm the Center’s independence, conducting oversight to ensure its leadership remains free from undue political interference, and speaking out against any efforts to turn the arts into a political battleground. Our nation’s cultural institutions should remain places where all Americans—regardless of political affiliation—can come together to celebrate the arts. Please stand with your constituents in protecting the Kennedy Center from political overreach and preserving its role as a truly independent arts institution. Thank you for your time and your dedication to the arts and democracy. I look forward to your response and to seeing you take action on this critical issue.