Trump Reimagines the Kennedy Center: Elvis, 'Cats' and Babe Ruth
Category: News & Politics
Via: john-russell • one month ago • 6 commentsBy: Javier C. Hernandez (nytimes)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
A recording of President Trump's private remarks at a Kennedy Center board meeting shows that he mused about bestowing honors on dead celebrities and people from outside the arts.
President Trump visited the Kennedy Center on Monday for the first time since he ousted its chairman and became chairman himself.
The new chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts had a question for the board. Which musical is best, "The Phantom of the Opera" or "Les Miserables"? (Several trustees seemed to agree it was "Phantom.")
He mused about how great it could be if he hosted the Kennedy Center Honors ("The king of ratings," he called himself). And he floated the idea of giving awards to dead figures in culture and sports, including Luciano Pavarotti, Elvis Presley and Babe Ruth.
Monday was President Trump's first visit to the Kennedy Center since he took it over last month by replacing all the Biden appointees on the board of the once bipartisan institution and having himself elected chairman.
As he gathered members of the new board on the stage of its opera house he expressed strong and sometimes surprising opinions on a variety of matters, according to an audio recording of his private remarks obtained by The New York Times, which was confirmed as authentic by a participant.
"What's all the best: 'Phantom of the Opera' or 'Les Miz?' Which one is —" "'Phantom' —" "'Phantom' —" "'Phantom' —" "'Phantom' —" "'Phantom' is just so good."
Asked about the recording, a Kennedy Center official pointed to a social media post by its new president, Richard Grenell, which said that Mr. Trump wants to save the center and "ensure it is the premier Arts institution in the United States" and a place where "EVERYONE is welcome."
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The following musicals were ruled out as recipients
South Pacific - too woke (anti racism message)
West Side Story - portrayed a white gang
My Fair Lady - too British (European)
The Sound Of Music - portrays Nazis in a bad light.
I'm sure Trump will push for "Birth of a Nation" to receive multiple awards. Afterall it shows the KKK as being heroes.
How about The King and I?
Afterwards he can give himself the award.
I dont think the Kennedy Center gives posthumous recognition , but I think Elvis would be fine. Babe Ruth is not in the arts category.
Maybe he will give the award to his daughter in law