In a move that underscores the deepening intersection of art, politics, and institutional accountability, multi-hyphenate creator Issa Rae has severed her affiliation with the Kennedy Center in response to former President Donald Trump’s recent appointment as chairman of the prestigious arts organization. The decision, announced via her representatives and later amplified in public statements, has reignited debates about the role of cultural institutions in politically charged climates and the responsibilities of artists to align their platforms with their values.
A Clash of Values: Art, Politics, and Institutional Leadership
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a federally funded institution in Washington, D.C., has long been regarded as a bastion of American arts and culture. Its leadership roles, including the honorary chairman position, have traditionally been held by figures with ties to the arts, philanthropy, or public service. Trump’s appointment to the role, however, marks a departure from this precedent. While largely ceremonial, the position carries symbolic weight, particularly for an organization that prides itself on inclusivity and artistic excellence.
For Issa Rae—an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and actress celebrated for her groundbreaking work on Insecure, Rap Sh!t, and her advocacy for underrepresented voices in Hollywood—the decision to distance herself from the Kennedy Center reflects a principled stand against aligning with leadership she views as antithetical to her values. “I cannot in good conscience continue my association with an institution that elevates someone whose policies and rhetoric have consistently undermined marginalized communities,” Rae stated.
The Backstory: Rae’s Relationship with the Kennedy Center
Rae’s involvement with the Kennedy Center began in 2022, when she participated in a series of panel discussions and mentorship programs aimed at fostering diversity in the arts. Her work there included collaborations with emerging filmmakers and playwrights, many of whom hailed from historically excluded backgrounds. Colleagues described her engagement as “transformative,” citing her commitment to amplifying stories often sidelined by mainstream institutions.
Her exit, however, was swift following Trump’s appointment. While the Kennedy Center has not publicly detailed the rationale behind selecting Trump, critics argue the move risks politicizing an institution meant to transcend partisan divides. Trump’s tenure as president was marked by contentious policies impacting the arts, including proposed budget cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and public clashes with artists who criticized his administration.
Rae’s Statement: A Call for Accountability
In a candid Instagram post, Rae elaborated on her decision, framing it as part of a broader commitment to accountability. “Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” she wrote. “The institutions we support, and the leaders they elevate, send a message about who and what we value. Remaining silent in the face of harm is complicity.”
The post sparked widespread dialogue, with supporters applauding her willingness to sacrifice opportunities for her principles. “Issa’s always walked the walk,” said filmmaker Ava DuVernay in a tweet. “This is what it looks like to put your money—and your platform—where your mouth is.” Others, however, criticized the move as performative, arguing that disengaging from institutions limits opportunities to drive change from within.
Broader Implications: Art Institutions in the Political Crossfire
Rae’s departure highlights a growing tension faced by artists and cultural organizations in an era of heightened political polarization. Institutions like the Kennedy Center are increasingly scrutinized not just for their programming, but for their leadership choices and funding sources. Trump’s appointment raises questions about how such organizations navigate affiliations with divisive figures while maintaining their missions.
Historically, the Kennedy Center has sought to remain apolitical, hosting events for administrations across the ideological spectrum. However, Trump’s post-presidency—marked by ongoing legal battles, election denialism, and rhetoric condemned as inflammatory—complicates this neutrality. For many artists, his association with the center represents a red line.
“This isn’t about partisan politics,” said playwright Jeremy O. Harris. “It’s about whether institutions tasked with celebrating culture can ethically platform individuals whose actions have actively harmed communities. Issa’s choice challenges all of us to ask that question.”
The Ripple Effect: Will Others Follow?
Rae’s exit has prompted speculation about whether other artists will reconsider their ties to the Kennedy Center. While no major names have yet publicly withdrawn, several have expressed solidarity. “I stand with Issa,” tweeted actor and activist George Takei. “When our institutions fail to uphold the values they claim to represent, it’s on us to hold them accountable.”
The Kennedy Center, for its part, has emphasized its commitment to remaining a “home for all artists.” In a statement, the organization acknowledged Rae’s departure but avoided addressing Trump’s appointment directly: “We respect Ms. Rae’s decision and remain dedicated to our mission of fostering artistic excellence and accessibility.”
A History of Advocacy: Rae’s Unwavering Stance
This is not the first time Rae has leveraged her platform for advocacy. From co-founding the media company Hoorae to create opportunities for Black storytellers, to publicly supporting movements like Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights, she has consistently intertwined her creative work with social justice. Her decision to cut ties with the Kennedy Center aligns with this trajectory, reinforcing her reputation as an artist unwilling to compromise her values for access or prestige.
“Issa’s never been afraid to speak out, even when it’s inconvenient,” said Insecure collaborator Prentice Penny. “She understands that her influence isn’t just about making art—it’s about making a difference.”
The Road Ahead: Reckoning or Resistance?
Rae’s move arrives amid a broader reckoning within the arts community about institutional complicity. Recent years have seen similar debates over museum funding tied to controversial donors, awards shows grappling with inclusivity failures, and festivals boycotted over political affiliations. Each instance underscores a central question: Can art truly be separated from the power structures that sustain it?
For Rae, the answer is clear. In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she remarked, “Our industry loves to preach diversity and inclusion, but too often, it’s just lip service. Real change requires uncomfortable choices—like walking away when alignment isn’t possible.”
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Cultural Institutions
Issa Rae’s departure from the Kennedy Center serves as a bellwether for the challenges facing cultural institutions in politically volatile times. As artists increasingly demand that their venues and partners reflect their ethical standards, organizations must grapple with difficult choices about leadership, funding, and mission.
For the Kennedy Center, Trump’s appointment may test its ability to balance tradition with contemporary values. For Rae, the decision reaffirms her role not just as a storyteller, but as a steward of accountability—a reminder that art, at its best, is inseparable from the pursuit of justice.
As debates over this rift continue, one truth remains: In an age where silence is increasingly untenable, actions like Rae’s redefine what it means to be an artist in the public eye. Whether this moment inspires systemic change or further polarization, it undeniably underscores the power of principled dissent in shaping the cultural landscape.