Donald Trump’s Role in Changing the Face of American Culture

Changes in American politics often bring cultural aftershocks, but the shifts under President Donald Trump have reached deep into the core of American creative and intellectual life. His name now sits carved into the marble walls of Washington’s prestigious Kennedy Center. This symbolic act came just days before the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was held there, signaling a striking transformation in the nation’s most celebrated cultural venue.

Photos of President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance now line backstage halls, catching the eyes of every artist who passes through. One staff member described it as a constant reminder of the sweeping changes. Though they requested anonymity, the sentiment is echoed across the organization.

Ripple Effects in the Performing Arts

Following this cultural takeover, performers began canceling shows. Ticket sales dropped sharply, and the venue started offering free tickets to fill seats. As one neighborhood email bluntly put it, they needed to “put butts in seats”—even for classic ballets like “Coppélia.”

Instagram | nycballet | Even timeless shows like Coppélia struggle to draw crowds as cultural shifts reshape audience interest.

This sudden disruption wasn’t limited to performance schedules. It reflected Trump’s broader mission to realign cultural narratives. Through executive orders, he directed federal institutions, like the Smithsonian, to emphasize “American greatness” and remove what he called “improper ideology.” He also tapped VP Vance to oversee these sweeping revisions, starting with public museums and monuments.

Academic Institutions Under Fire

Trump’s cultural strategy extends beyond the arts. His administration threatened to withhold billions in research funding from top universities. Harvard alone faced the risk of losing $9 billion. This led to legal battles, protests, and, in some cases, universities yielding to political pressure.

Author Gwenda Blair noted, “Taking over the Kennedy Center seems of a piece with taking over, well, everything else.” The coordinated strategy reveals Trump’s desire to recast America’s story in a more traditional light, directly challenging progressive narratives.

Elon Musk and Cultural Disruption

Elon Musk, appointed as Trump’s special adviser, took on a key role. His focus has been dismantling and realigning federal agencies, including a fast-paced reorganization that spans the Department of Interior to immigration offices. Simultaneously, Trump’s sweeping tariff decisions have roiled financial markets, and legal pressure on major law firms led to their reluctant support of Trump-related initiatives.

Although economic and legal issues dominate headlines, Trump’s cultural overhaul stands out. His supporters say these efforts finally correct years of progressive dominance. Critics warn that it mirrors the kind of authoritarian influence once seen in Soviet cultural controls.

Resurrecting the 1776 Commission

Trump brought back the 1776 Commission—a project from his first term aimed at patriotic education. He also prioritized planning for July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. One of his first executive actions in his new term involved preparing for what he described as a “grand celebration worthy of the moment.”

His focus on cultural legacy isn’t new. Trump began his public life as a media figure, with ventures like “Trump Tower,” “Trump Taj Mahal,” and of course, the reality TV hit “The Apprentice.” As a media-savvy personality, he harnessed celebrity appeal long before stepping into politics.

Legacy in the Spotlight

Experts like Henry Olsen believe Trump’s background in entertainment helped prepare him for political life. Professor Bruce Schulman adds, “How can a president not be an actor?”—echoing Ronald Reagan. Trump’s personal playlist still features classics from ABBA, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones. It reinforces the nostalgia that defines much of his cultural agenda.

That nostalgia also plays into his popularity among certain conservative circles. Figures like Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan now appear at major Republican events. Trump’s signature rally dance has even found its way into NFL celebrations, blending entertainment and politics in a way that blurs traditional boundaries.

Cultural Shifts and Countermovements

Instagram | theadvocatemag | Performers keep showing up at the Kennedy Center as change sweeps through the arts world.

As Trump reshapes the Kennedy Center, his influence over the broader arts landscape grows. Performers like Eilen Jewell choose to stay rather than withdraw, insisting on standing up for what they believe still exists in American culture. Jewell stated, “I stay and fight for the good that’s left in it.”

Behind the scenes, Kennedy Center staff face uncertainty. Trump loyalists replaced senior leadership. Interim director Ric Grenell hasn’t formally introduced himself to staff. Some insiders say that Trump’s team floated ideas like “MAGA-only” nights. Others suggest the administration plans to shield Trump from potential public backlash, especially after VP Vance was booed at a recent concert.

Resistance From Within

Despite internal upheaval, many employees remain committed. One anonymous staffer described the team’s resilience, saying, “We pick ourselves up and reenter this building every day with a spirit of preserving the mission.”

Trump’s changes have created a polarized environment. While some cheer his “return to tradition,” others raise alarms over free expression and cultural independence. The battle over who tells America’s story continues—and the stakes stretch far beyond the Kennedy Center.

Cultural Legacies Still in Motion

While Trump reshapes institutions, the response from artists, educators, and audiences reflects a deeper tension in America’s identity. These moments aren’t just about programming changes or new executive orders—they’re about who defines the soul of a nation.

And as America nears its 250th anniversary, the fight for that definition grows louder.