Arts Jan 02 Kennedy Center faces artist cancellations, drop in ticket sales after Trump's name added By Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport, Simon Epstein
Arts Jan 02 Watch 11:12 'We cannot have art institutions that lose money': Grenell defends Kennedy Center takeover The newly-renamed Trump-Kennedy Center is facing canceled performances and plummeting ticket sales. Amna Nawaz discussed the turmoil with Richard Grenell, the man President Trump handpicked to lead the institution. Grenell also served in Trump's first term, including as ambassador to… By Amna Nawaz, Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport, Simon Epstein
Arts Dec 23 Watch 6:52 Kennedy Center renaming highlights Trump's reshaping of Washington in his image Since reentering the White House earlier this year, President Trump has made quick work of reshaping Washington in his image, in some cases literally. That is on display at the recently renamed Trump-Kennedy Center. The performing arts center has roots… By Stephanie Sy, Ali Schmitz
Arts Nov 14 Watch 8:38 Ken Burns' 'The American Revolution' explores the beginnings of the nation's democracy "The American Revolution," the latest work from filmmaker Ken Burns, begins this Sunday on PBS. The six-part, 12-hour history of the war of independence from Britain and the beginnings of the American experiment in democracy comes at a moment of… By Jeffrey Brown, Simon Epstein, Daria Nastasia
Arts Oct 30 Watch 7:34 Ben Folds on taking a stand for artistic freedom after Trump's Kennedy Center takeover Ben Folds’ piano-powered pop music earned him a cult following and made him one of the most respected songwriters of his generation. He also held an influential role in classical music as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra. Folds… By Amna Nawaz, Jackson Hudgins
Oct 20 Watch 7:57 Ai Weiwei's 'Camouflage' art installation reflects on FDR's Four Freedoms By Jeffrey Brown, Simon Epstein, Sam Weber A public art initiative marking the 80th anniversary of the U.N. is inviting artists to examine the state of democracy and social justice. The first featured artist is Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei, whose blend of art and activism has long… Continue watching
Sep 29 Watch 9:19 How artists and musicians are responding to Trump's 2nd term By Jeffrey Brown, Simon Epstein Rock legend Bruce Springsteen publicly blasted President Trump and his policies, saying “we’re living through particularly dangerous times." As Trump increasingly targets the arts, artists are faced with the question of whether to speak out or keep their heads down. Continue watching
Sep 25 Watch 8:34 Citizen historians document Smithsonian exhibits under White House scrutiny By Jeffrey Brown, Maea Lenei Buhre, Mike Fritz, Cali Steffenhagen The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. It's a public-private trust that has long operated at arm's length from the White House, but now finds itself under unprecedented scrutiny from the Trump administration. Jeffrey Brown… Continue watching
Sep 17 Watch 9:07 Archivist fired by Trump launches a national effort to strengthen democracy By Amna Nawaz, Anne Azzi Davenport, Daria Nastasia Colleen Shogan made history when she became the first woman to serve as Archivist of the United States in 2023. In February, President Trump fired her with no reason given. On Constitution Day, Shogan launched a national bipartisan effort called… Continue watching
Aug 20 Watch 7:10 Scholar says Trump's efforts to reframe U.S. history is 'reminiscent of McCarthyism' By Amna Nawaz, Simon Epstein, Doug Adams, Ian Couzens, Jenna Bloom President Trump described Smithsonian museums as “out of control” for emphasizing, in his view, “how bad slavery was.” It's part of a pattern by Trump in his second term to reframe historical narratives, in particular about racism and discrimination. Amna… Continue watching