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

Last month, after taking on the role of chair at the Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump revealed his decision to appoint 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 appointments follow his recent move to take control of the Washington, D.C., venue. Just last month, he assumed leadership of the Kennedy Center, dismissing multiple long-standing board members and temporarily placing his special missions envoy, Richard Grenell, in charge, according to The Hill.

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

However, the changes have led several prominent figures to distance themselves from the venue. Among them, comedian and television personality Whoopi Goldberg vowed not to return now that Trump is overseeing the center.

Additionally, the producers of the well-known Broadway show “Hamilton” decided to cancel performances at the Kennedy Center this week. Lead producer Jeffrey Seller emphasized the venue’s significance, calling it a “sacred” space 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 development coincides with Trump’s broader trend of selecting Fox News hosts and analysts for key roles within his administration. One notable appointment includes Pete Hegseth, who has been chosen to lead the Department of Defense.

Trump also selected civil rights attorney Leo Terrell for a senior role at the Department of Justice, working under Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, 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 declared. “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 nominations made by Trump include:

• Former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense
• Fox News contributor and Fox Business host Sean Duffy as secretary of transportation
• Former Fox News contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general
• Former Fox News contributor Dr. Marty Makary to head the Food and Drug Administration
• Retired general-turned-Fox News contributor Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia

Additionally, Trump has selected longtime Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce to serve as the 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 stated.

“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, an accomplished author and former talk radio personality, has been a familiar face on Fox News since 2005. Mediaite reported that she is set to replace Matthew Miller as the State Department spokesperson.

Addressing her appointment on social media, Bruce wrote: “So proud of this man. 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.”