#Ben Folds Resigns As Artistic Director of NSO After Trump Move to Replace Leadership

Ben Folds is resigning as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra in light of the events at the Kennedy Center. 

In a post on Instagram Wednesday, the singer-songwriter and former frontman of Ben Folds Five said “Given the developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me.” His resignation follows President Trump’s statement that he would fire multiple board members at the Kennedy Center, including chairman David M. Rubenstein, and planned to install himself as chair.

On Monday, Trump posted on social media that he would appoint Richard Grenell, formerly Trump’s ambassador to Germany, as interim executive director, saying that he “shares my Vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture” and would make sure there was no more “ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.”

The Kennedy Center oversees the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Washington National Opera, in addition to presenting theatrical shows, the Kennedy Center Honors and more.

“It’s been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, NSO artistic administrator Justin Ellis, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate the symphonic music. Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation’s symphony orchestra – just the best!” Fold’s post continued. 

Following Trump’s announcement, the Kennedy Center issued a statement Friday saying they had “received no official communications from the White House regarding changes to our board of trustees. We are aware that some members of our board have received termination notices from the administration.”

As The New York Times reported, 18 board members, all of whom had been appointed by President Biden, and Rubsenstein’s name have been removed from the center’s website.