John Lithgow, the acclaimed actor celebrated for his numerous roles across stage and screen, has voiced a scathing critique of Donald Trump’s second term as President, labeling it “a pure disaster” for the arts in the United States. Lithgow's poignant remarks came during his acceptance at the prestigious Olivier Awards in London, especially focusing on Trump’s controversial management of the Kennedy Center, the nation's iconic hub for the performing arts located in Washington, D.C.

In a passionate speech, Lithgow articulated his profound disappointment, stating, “Our administration has done some shocking, destructive things, but the one that grieves me most is taking over the Kennedy Center.” He highlighted the political maneuverings involved with the center, revealing that the President has positioned himself as the chair of this important cultural institution which was originally created as a bipartisan, government-supported venue. Under Trump's leadership, the board saw significant changes, including the installation of new members and interim leadership, notably the appointment of loyalist Ric Grenell.

Lithgow also shared insight into the abrupt termination of Deborah Rutter, the previously-respected president of the Kennedy Center. “Deborah was fired from her position, even though she’d already announced her resignation,” Lithgow lamented. He expressed concern for the future of arts funding and governance in America, particularly after the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, stating, “We co-chaired a commission on the arts, and we found that the state of the arts in America was in crisis... well, it’s really in crisis now.”

The actor, who garnered the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in the play *Giant*, characterized his moment of triumph as “more complicated than usual” given the current state of affairs between the U.S. and the U.K. Despite this complexity, Lithgow expressed his belief that the special relationship between the two nations remains “intact.”

Reflecting on his unique connection to both American and British theatre, Lithgow embraced his identity as 'a curious kind of hybrid Englishman.' He fondly recalled his extensive experience in theater, saying, “I grew up with Shakespeare,” crediting his father, a producer of Shakespeare festivals, with fueling his early passion for the stage. He emphasized his dedication to the craft, noting that he had participated in 20 Shakespeare plays by the time he turned 20.

Amid ongoing challenges for the arts—including political strife and the lingering effects of the global pandemic—Lithgow remains hopeful. He remarked on how adversity can inspire creativity, stating, “Bad times create good art.” He believes that the collective shock from current events can serve as a catalyst for passionate artistic expression. With so much at stake, Lithgow’s call to action resonates: while the arts face an uphill battle, they also have the potential to thrive in the face of adversity.