President Trump, entertainer-in-chief
Consider This from NPR
NPR
4.1 • 5.3K Ratings
🗓️ 29 August 2025
⏱️ 9 minutes
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Summary
Before he entered politics, most Americans knew Donald Trump as an entertainer.
As the host of the hit show “The Apprentice” he was catapulted to a new level of fame.
That persona has carried over to Trump’s political life as he embraces his role as entertainer-in-chief.
In this term, unlike the first, Trump has taken aim at cultural institutions.
He initiated a takeover of the Kennedy Center, has declared that Smithsonian exhibits must submit to White House scrutiny, and he’s successfully sued – and won settlements from – multiple broadcasting giants.
Throughout Trump’s second term, he’s dramatically expanded the authority of the executive branch. Now, he’s using his power to reshape American culture.
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It was edited by Courtney Dorning and Justine Kenin.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | And I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we too will be remembered, not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit. |
| 0:15.6 | In 1962, President John F. Kennedy spoke at a fundraiser for the National Cultural Center. |
| 0:21.4 | He spoke of art as a universal language and envisioned a national hub for art and artistic exchange in the United States. |
| 0:30.1 | Moreover, as a great democratic society, we have a special responsibility to the arts. |
| 0:37.3 | For art is the great Democrat, calling forth creative genius from every sector of society. |
| 0:44.2 | The center was created by a bipartisan bill signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, |
| 0:50.4 | who hoped it would become a, quote, artistic mecca. |
| 0:53.6 | It was then the Kennedy administration, with the strong influence of First Lady Jack who hoped it would become a, quote, artistic mecca. |
| 0:58.9 | It was then the Kennedy administration, with the strong influence of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, |
| 1:01.4 | that made strides towards its construction. |
| 1:08.9 | Tonight seems to be at long last the beginning of what for so long has really been just a hope or a dream. |
| 1:13.3 | The night featured a lineup of some of the most iconic artists of the era, |
| 1:16.6 | including comedian Danny Kay, dancer Maria Tall Chief, |
| 1:19.7 | and a seven-year-old yo-yo mom. |
| 1:32.5 | After JFK was assassinated the following year, the center was renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. |
| 1:39.6 | And for decades, the Kennedy Center honors have highlighted performing artists for their contributions to American culture. |
| 1:42.8 | Recipients have included Ella Fitzgerald. Dream a little dream of me. |
| 1:48.7 | Tom Hanks. |
| 1:50.5 | Hello. |
| 1:52.2 | My name's Forrest. Forrest Gump. |
| 1:54.4 | And the Grateful Dead. |
| 2:06.3 | The Kennedy Center honors, even though they're attended by the president and politicians, |
... |
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