While Bruce Springsteen and Robert De Niro were overseas, criticizing President Donald Trump to affluent Europeans, ordinary Americans were gathering at the Kennedy Center to appreciate fine art.
The contrast is stark, and it leaves Springsteen and De Niro appearing rather absurd.
Springsteen initiated his tour in Manchester, delivering a message to the British audience. He declared, "My home, the America I love, the America Ive written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration." Later in the show, he labeled Trump as incompetent and authoritarian. It appears that Springsteen's primary talent isn't running, but complaining.
Meanwhile, across the English Channel, De Niro was at the Cannes Film Festival receiving a lifetime achievement award. He used the platform to express his disdain for Trump. He stated, "[Artists] are a threat to autocrats and fascists. Americas Philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions (the Kennedy Center). He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education."
According to Fox News, De Niro's comments about the Kennedy Center were met with a stern response from its new president, Richard Grenell. Grenell retorted, "Hes lying. President Trump hasnt cut funding for the Kennedy Center. There are a few honest reporters already reporting the massive funding INCREASE request from President Trump for the Kennedy Center. It is De Niros political party that is canceling shows and booing people they dont agree with politically. We havent canceled shows."
Grenell's statement is accurate. It is the actors from a production of "Les Misrables" who are refusing to perform for Trump next month, not the other way around. The producers of "Hamilton" decided to cancel their Kennedy Center run, not Trump administration officials censoring art.
Interestingly, conservatives are more likely to appreciate "Hamilton," a patriotic musical, while many on the left accuse its composer, Lin Manuel Miranda, of whitewashing Americas history. For the first time in decades, the Kennedy Center's leadership is concerned about what the audience wants, rather than pushing progressive ideologies through shows that few want to see.
On a recent Thursday night, I attended the National Symphonys performance of Beethovens "Missa Solemnis" at the Kennedy Center. Contrary to Springsteen and De Niro's claims, I found no evidence of fascism or autocracy. Instead, I saw Americans from all walks of life, captivated by a piece of music that has fascinated audiences for 200 years under the direction of legendary Maestro Gianandrea Noseda.
While Springsteen and De Niro were being celebrated by European elites, they were still living out their outdated protest fantasies. In contrast, the Kennedy Center broke its attendance record in April when 11,000 people attended a performance that combined art, science, and drones. This kind of programming returns this cultural gem to the people.
Perhaps Springsteen and De Niro should consider relocating to Europe, joining Rosie ODonnell and Eva Longoria, who left after Trumps election. They all believe America is terrible and can easily find overseas crowds to cheer their criticism of the red, white, and blue.
In the United States, we won't miss these critics. We have a plethora of talented artists eager to share their gifts with everyone, regardless of political affiliation. They understand that art, at its best, unites rather than divides.
So, if you're in Washington, visit the Kennedy Center. Or, wherever you live, seek out artists who aim to touch your soul, not your politics. We are finally making room for this timeless pursuit once again.
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