Former Kennedy Center president speaks out in first interview since her firing

By Elena Burnett,

Courtney Dorning, Mary Louise Kelly, Ashley Brown

Published February 14, 2025 at 4:31 PM EST

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks to Deborah Rutter, former head of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in her first interview since the board installed President Trump as its new chair.

Elena Burnett

Courtney Dorning

Courtney Dorning has been a Senior Editor for NPR's All Things Considered since November 2018. In that role, she's the lead editor for the daily show. Dorning is responsible for newsmaker interviews, lead news segments and the small, quirky features that are a hallmark of the network's flagship afternoon magazine program.

See stories by Courtney Dorning

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

Ashley Brown

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Former Kennedy Center president speaks out in first interview since her firing