Ben Folds resigns from his position as an artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra after changes connected to President Trump’s overhaul of the Kennedy Center’s board. Billboard reports that Folds criticizes the decision in statements referencing concerns about politicizing art, saying that doing so produces propaganda. The Hollywood Reporter adds that Folds discusses his reasoning in more detail after appearing as a witness at a congressional hearing on Tuesday. He says he could not rely on the safety of artists he booked, citing worry about possible “retribution” if they were perceived as opposing or conflicting with the political direction associated with the new leadership. Both outlets link his resignation to the 2025 board revamp and present Folds’ remarks as part of his broader testimony and public response. The reports describe his departure as a break with his prior role, but they focus on his stated concerns rather than detailing specific actions taken against individual artists. The coverage therefore centers on the intersection of arts administration, governance changes at the Kennedy Center, and Folds’ stated loss of confidence in how artist participation would be handled.