Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind Grey’s Anatomy, and singer-songwriter Ben Folds were part of the initial wave of individuals stepping down from their positions at The Kennedy Center. They made this decision following President Trump assuming the role of Chairman of the Board and initiating significant changes at the institution.

Shonda Rhimes, who serves as the CEO of Shondaland, resigned from her post as Treasurer of the Board soon after Trump’s appointment as the head of the renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. She made the announcement via an Instagram post.

Similarly, Ben Folds, known for his music career, stated that he was leaving his position as an artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra. He had been in this role since 2017 and decided to step down in light of recent developments at The Kennedy Center.

“Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO,” the Ben Folds Five frontman, 58, posted on social media.

“Not for me,” he added. “Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation’s symphony orchestra — just the best.”

Grammy-award winning opera legend Renée Fleming followed suit, announcing her resignation from her role as artistic advisor at large.

“I’ve treasured the bi-partisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best,” the 65-year-old soprano said in a statement. “I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country.”

Trump said Wednesday that he had decided to clear out the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees “who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture” — and installed himself as chairman.

“We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!” he posted on Truth social Wednesday night.

Trump has targeted the Washington institution for previously hosting drag shows “targeting” children.  

Earlier in the week, Trump told reporters he wants to see the center running “properly.”

“We don’t need woke at the Kennedy Center. Some of the shows were terrible. They were a disgrace that they were even put on,” he said. “So I’ll be there until such time as it gets to be running right.”

His administration officially removed 18 board members, including then-board chairman and close ally of former President Joe Biden, David M. Rubenstein, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Fourteen new Kennedy Center Board of Trustee members were announced Wednesday including Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, and former aide Dan Scavino among other allies.

He was elected chairman by his newly-minted board.

Deborah F. Rutter, who had served as the institution’s third president since 2014, was also sacked. She had previously announced her plan to step down at the end of 2025. 

Richard Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, has been appointed as interim president. Grenell, Trump’s Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, became the first openly gay man to serve in a cabinet-level position when Trump appointed him acting director of national intelligence in 2020.