On Friday evening President Donald Trump revealed plans to revamp the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts board of trustees calling for the removal of several current members including its chairman David Rubenstein a prominent philanthropist. Trump’s announcement indicated that he would assume the role of chairman himself.

In a post on Truth Social Trump stated At my direction we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees including the Chairman who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. We will soon announce a new Board with an amazing Chairman DONALD J. TRUMP

Since assuming office Trump has been exploring various ways to use executive power and this move is seen as a highly personal decision which also reflects his response to political adversaries.

Rubenstein who currently chairs the board is a known ally of President Joe Biden. Trump’s remarks also delve into the cultural realm criticizing some of the programming at the Kennedy Center.

Trump added Just last year the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Typically U.S. presidents make periodic appointments to the Kennedy Center board. However it was unclear at the time who would be directly affected by the new changes.

In response to Trump’s post the Kennedy Center issued a statement The Kennedy Center is aware of the post made recently by POTUS on social media. We have 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.

While the center confirmed that the president has the authority to replace board members this would mark the first time such a move has been implemented.

CNN reached out to various board members particularly those appointed by Democratic presidents for comment. They also contacted a representative for Shonda Rhimes the board’s treasurer but had not received responses by press time.

A board member appointed under a Democratic administration said they had yet to receive any official communication from the Kennedy Center regarding their status on the board.

Notably members who were appointed during Trump’s administration include singer Lee Greenwood Paolo and Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter recently announced her decision to step down by year end. The board has started searching for her successor and has hired an executive search firm. The selection process will now be under the purview of the president.