Shonda Rhimes Resigns From Kennedy Center Board After Trump Firings

Shonda Rhimes resigned from the Kennedy Center Board Wednesday. 

The Grey’s Anatomy showrunner and Shondaland CEO was also treasurer of the arts institution. Her resignation follows President Trump’s post on Truth Social saying that he had been elected chair of the Kennedy Center. 

Deborah F. Rutter, who had been the Kennedy Center’s third president, serving in the position since 2014, released a statement that said she had also left the institution Wednesday. Rutter had previously announced plans to step down at the end of 2025. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds also announced Wednesday that he would resign as artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra.

The wave of resignations follows Trump’s statement Friday that he would fire multiple board members at the Kennedy Center, including chairman David M. Rubenstein, and planned to install himself as chair.

On Monday, Trump had posted on social media that he would appoint Richard Grenell, formerly Trump’s ambassador to Germany, as interim executive director, saying that he “shares my Vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture” and would make sure there was no more “ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.”

The Kennedy Center oversees the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Washington National Opera, in addition to presenting theatrical shows, the Kennedy Center Honors and more.

As The New York Times reported, 18 board members, all of whom had been appointed by President Biden, and Rubsenstein’s name have been removed from the center’s website. 

More to come.