Ric Grenell, the Trump-backed interim president of the Kennedy Center, expressed his discontent with ABC on Tuesday for featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda on “American Idol.” This comes shortly after Miranda declined to perform at the Kennedy Center due to its perceived transformation under Trump.
During a recent episode, it was announced that Miranda would mentor contestants leading up to the Season 23 finale. Grenell took to social media to criticize the decision, characterizing it as a move that promotes “political intolerance.” He expressed his belief that performers should cater to a diverse audience rather than align with specific political ideologies, suggesting that Miranda’s participation contradicts that principle.
Grenell’s comments highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the Kennedy Center and its association with the Trump administration. Following Trump’s appointment, several artists opted out of performances, including Miranda and “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Seller, who canceled a scheduled event in protest of the changes at the venue.
In previous remarks, Miranda has articulated his stance on the situation, emphasizing that the Kennedy Center has changed significantly under Trump’s leadership, stating, “The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and we’re not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center.”
This tug-of-war between cultural figures and political affiliations reveals the intense scrutiny and differing opinions on how art spaces should operate in the current political climate. As these discussions unfold, it remains important to consider the broader implications on artistic expression and public engagement within America’s cultural institutions.