Philip Kennicott

Philip Kennicott, a Washington Post architecture critic, and Jonathan L. Fisher, a senior editor at The Atlantic, dig into Trump’s bid to remake Washington. They track the Kennedy Center takeover, the backlash from artists and audiences, and the shift in programming. They also explore how monuments, design rules, and a proposed victory arch could change the capital’s civic meaning.

Philip Kennicott, a Washington Post art critic and cultural expert, dives into the shocking news that the Washington National Opera is leaving the Kennedy Center. He explains how this departure signals a cultural crisis, affecting donations and attendance. The conversation touches on the impact of controversial naming and financial models that have hurt the arts. Kennicott warns of a ripple effect leading to more cancellations and emphasizes the importance of a world-class symphony for Washington’s cultural landscape, while also highlighting opportunities for smaller arts groups.