John Lithgow Slams Trump’s Potential Second Term: A Dire Threat to the U.S. Arts Scene—An Olivier Award Winner’s Perspective

John Lithgow recently voiced his strong feelings about the state of the arts in the U.S., particularly during Donald Trump’s second presidency. At the Olivier Awards in London, Lithgow called the situation “a pure disaster.” He specifically mentioned the takeover of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a cultural hub that was originally created as a government-supported, bipartisan venue for the performing arts. Lithgow expressed his sadness over this change, saying, “It grieves me most about taking over the Kennedy Center.”

Under the current administration, Trump has appointed new board members and a loyalist as the interim head of the Kennedy Center. This shift occurred after Deborah Rutter, the former president who had led the center for 11 years, announced her resignation. Lithgow pointed out that Rutter’s dismissal was unexpected, stating, “She’s a very good friend of mine.” Their connection runs deep, as they co-chaired a commission studying the arts in America, which concluded that the arts were already struggling. Now, Lithgow believes the situation is even worse, saying, “First there was coronavirus, now there’s this.”

Historically, the arts have faced crises, but they have often bounced back stronger. For instance, after the economic downturn in the late 2000s, arts organizations found innovative ways to engage audiences and secure funding. Today, though, the stakes seem higher, especially with issues stemming from political shifts and the financial impacts of the pandemic.

Lithgow’s recent triumph at the Olivier Awards, winning Best Actor for his role as Roald Dahl in the play “Giant,” adds a personal touch to his critique. He noted that this was a complex moment for U.S.-U.K. relations, but he felt their special bond remained. Lithgow, who has a deep connection to Shakespeare and British theater, reflected on his unique perspective as someone who straddles both cultures. He shared fond memories of his father producing Shakespeare festivals, emphasizing how these experiences shaped him as an artist.

Despite his bleak outlook on the present-day arts scene, Lithgow holds onto a glimmer of hope. He believes that challenging times can inspire artists to create powerful work, stating, “Bad times create good art.” It’s a reminder that in the face of adversity, creativity often flourishes.

In recent surveys, many artists and creatives have echoed similar frustrations, highlighting the ongoing struggle for funding and support. According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, nearly 90% of arts organizations reported significant financial challenges during the pandemic, with many still recovering. This trend suggests that while artists fight against political pressures, they also need community support now more than ever.

As the conversation about arts in America continues, it’s important to highlight not just the obstacles but also the resilience of artists who are dedicated to their craft. Together, they navigate a complex world, constantly striving to create and inspire, even when circumstances appear disheartening.



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