In a significant shake-up at one of America's premier cultural institutions, Donald Trump has been 'unanimously' elected as chairman of the Kennedy Center's board, following his move to remove board members appointed by President Biden.

The transition has prompted immediate responses from key artistic figures. Ben Folds, who has served as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra since 2017, announced his resignation on Instagram, stating simply, 'Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me.'

Other notable departures include soprano Renée Fleming, who stepped down as artistic adviser to the center, and Shonda Rhimes, who resigned from her position as treasurer of the organization. Rhimes had been appointed during the Obama administration.

The new leadership structure includes several Trump allies. The reconstituted board will feature White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, and Second Lady Usha Vance. Richard Grenell, Trump's former ambassador to Germany, has been appointed as the center's interim executive director.

The Kennedy Center's upcoming season had planned to feature various productions including revivals of 'Les Misérables,' 'Legally Blonde,' and 'The Sound of Music,' as well as a show celebrating the 50th anniversary of 'Dungeons & Dragons' and a production of 'Parade.'

Folds, in his departure statement, reflected on his eight-year tenure, during which he worked on 'encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music.' He praised the NSO musicians as 'just the best.'