Donald Trump, Producer-in-Chief

Overview

• Donald Trump attended his first board meeting at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since becoming chairman, where he reminisced about his Broadway experiences.
• He expressed a desire for more traditional shows (like Cats) and fewer modern "woke" productions.
• Trump proposed to revamp the Kennedy Center Honors, dismissing recent awardees.

Key Points from the Meeting

• Discussed musicals: Les Misérables vs. The Phantom of the Opera.
• Recalled attending the premiere of Cats in 1982, implying he had a companion other than his wife.

Trump's Self-Perception

• Trump sees himself as a showman, wanting to recreate his Broadway dreams.
• Behavior at the meeting reflects his perspective as a "king of ratings."
• The meeting was secretly recorded and shared with reporters, highlighting the theatricality of his presidency.

National Impact of Trump's Actions

• Trump orchestrates various spectacles for public consumption, such as:
  • Deportation operations presented as dramatic events.
  • Signing controversial orders with fanfare.
  • Engaging in high-stakes negotiations with foreign leaders.
• His actions have significant consequences, affecting federal employees and international aid.

Theatrical vs. Real Consequences

• The analogy of Trump as a performer downplays real-world effects of his policies.
• His decisions may undermine institutions, like the Department of Education and media organizations.
• Critics underestimate the serious implications of his "performance art" approach to governance.

Recent Developments

• Signed an executive order targeting the Department of Education.
• Silenced Voice of America and its affiliates, impacting anti-authoritarian efforts.
• Used the Alien Enemies Act to justify deportations without due process.
• Issued ultimatums to Ivy League universities regarding funding policies.

Trump's Strategy

• Trump deliberately picks fights, aiming for maximum visibility and confrontation.
• Personal attacks on judges and political opponents, rallying his base.
• His administration’s moves are calculated performances intended to provoke responses.

Reflection on Trump's Presidency

• Comparison of Trump’s presidency to a never-ending show, with daily performances.
• The underlying message is that Trump’s dual role as a showman and strongman benefits his political agenda.
• Leaves questions about the long-term consequences of his actions and governance style.