In a bold declaration, Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of The View, announced her intention to boycott the Kennedy Center until it reverts to its former state, prior to President Donald Trump's influence.
Goldberg's remarks were made during a recent episode of the talk show, as she and her fellow hosts delved into the decision by Hamilton's producers to cancel the musical's spring 2026 run at the Washington, D.C. venue.
According to Breitbart, the producers attributed their decision to Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center. Goldberg expressed her understanding of the producers' stance, stating, "I understand why they did it, and I have no plans to go back to the Kennedy Center, until the Kennedy Center becomes what it was supposed to be."
She emphasized the center's original mission as an inclusive space for artists of all backgrounds, lamenting, "They did not make judgments about the people they put in there."
Goldberg also criticized the manner in which the leadership change occurred, describing it as "a big smack to the arts, which do not have a politics." She highlighted the diversity of the actors as the true political statement, noting, "Thats why they came out and made those statements, because people were messing with them, because Hamilton did not look like Hamilton."
As reported by Breitbart, Trump's appointment as chairman followed the dismissal of former resident Deborah Rutter. Subsequently, Richard Grenell, a Trump aide and former ambassador to Germany, was appointed interim President, succeeding outgoing chair David Rubenstein.
This leadership shift prompted several prominent figures, including renowned soprano Rene Fleming, to sever ties with the Kennedy Center. Now, Goldberg has joined the ranks of those expressing their discontent with the changes.
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