Trump Names Fox’s Ingraham, Bartiromo To Kennedy Center Board

After stepping into his new role as chairman of the Kennedy Center last month, President Donald Trump has announced the addition of Fox News hosts Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo to the institution's board.

“I am thrilled to announce that Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo will be joining our Kennedy Center Board – This completes our selection,” Trump shared on Truth Social. “We look forward to restoring the Center to Greatness, and ushering in America’s Golden Age. Together, we will Make the Arts Great Again!”

Trump's decision to bring new leadership to the Washington, D.C., arts venue follows his recent takeover of the center. Just last month, he assumed control, dismissing several long-standing board members and appointing Richard Grenell, his special envoy for missions, as interim overseer, as noted by The Hill.

“We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!” Trump declared at the time.

His actions have sparked controversy, leading several well-known figures to distance themselves from the venue. Among them is comedian and television personality Whoopi Goldberg, who has vowed not to return under Trump’s leadership.

Additionally, the team behind the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” has called off performances at the Kennedy Center. Lead producer Jeffrey Seller expressed that the center is a “sacred” institution that should remain “protected from politics.”

“Given the recent actions, our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center,” Seller stated.

This announcement aligns with Trump's broader trend of appointing prominent Fox News figures to key positions in his administration, including Pete Hegseth for the Department of Defense.

In another significant appointment, Trump has selected well-known civil rights attorney Leo Terrell to serve as senior counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice, working alongside Harmeet Dhillon.

“I am pleased to announce that Leo Terrell will be Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the United States Department of Justice,” Trump stated. “He will work alongside Harmeet K. Dhillon, a fellow Californian, and our incredible Nominee for United States Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Justice Department.

“Leo is a highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst. He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has defended many high-profile cases throughout his incredibly successful career. Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American People, and ensure we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump added.

Other notable appointments include:

• Pete Hegseth, former co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend," nominated for Secretary of Defense.
• Sean Duffy, a Fox News contributor and Fox Business host, named for Secretary of Transportation.
• Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, tapped for Surgeon General.
• Dr. Marty Makary, also a former Fox News contributor, selected to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
• General-turned-Fox News contributor Keith Kellogg appointed as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia.

Additionally, Trump has named longtime Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce as the next spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.

“It is my great honor to announce that Tammy Bruce will be joining our incredible Nominee for United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State,” Trump announced.

“Tammy is a highly respected political analyst who understood the power and importance of ‘MAGA’ early on. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Southern California and, after being a liberal activist in the 1990s, saw the lies and fraud of the Radical Left, and quickly became one of the strongest Conservative voices on Radio and Television,” he continued.

“As one of the longest-serving News Contributors, Tammy has brought TRUTH to the American People for over two decades. I know she will bring that same strength of conviction and fearless spirit to her new position as State Department Spokesperson,” Trump added, concluding with, “Congratulations Tammy!”

Bruce, a published author and former talk radio host, has been a regular face on Fox News since 2005. She is set to replace Matthew Miller as the spokesperson for the State Department, as reported by Mediaite.

Bruce took to social media to acknowledge her new role.

“So proud of this man,” she wrote. “For so many years he stood up to them, took everything they had, stayed standing FOR US, and PREVAILED. 2025 is just the beginning. There will be ups and downs, and we will continue to have to fight for our future, but it will be the beginning of a glorious return of our country.”