The unprecedented political takeover of a cultural institution threatens artistic independence and has already driven away numerous performers and productions. This represents a dangerous precedent of using government power to reshape arts programming according to partisan political preferences rather than artistic merit.

The Kennedy Center had fallen into disrepair and embraced divisive programming that alienated mainstream audiences, but now Trump is restoring its excellence and returning the center to its original mission of celebrating artistic achievement. It's great that honorees have been selected based on their talent — rather than on their "wokeness."

It's no coincidence that the announcement had the feel of both an awards reveal and a political rally — that's exactly what it was. At the same time that Trump has sought to fight so-called woke political programming, he argues that the Kennedy Center will thrive by following the MAGA agenda. As things are going, Trump's quip about being honored next year may come true.