In a recent phone conversation with the newly appointed board, President Donald Trump voiced his vision for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

According to an audio clip released by CNN’s Jake Tapper, the recording reveals Trump’s insights on the new trajectory of the institution. This call followed the president’s decision to remove 18 Democrats from the Kennedy Center’s board and to instruct the new board members to elect him as chair, a move finalized on February 12.

In the released audio, Trump referred to these changes as “a very exciting development.”

“It became very focused on certain ideologies, and some individuals were unhappy with it, which led to some choosing not to attend,” he seemed to reference the dismissed board members. “And that will not be tolerated.”

“We’re going to elevate things,” he asserted. “We made the presidency exciting, so this should be straightforward.”

The President expressed gratitude to those present, indicating that additional members would join the board soon “to reach the necessary number,” he stated.

He reiterated his enthusiasm for the center’s future, claiming, “I believe this is something many have desired. You’re going to appreciate it for a long time.”

During his discussion on CNN regarding the audio, Tapper mentioned that the vote for Trump as chairman of the Kennedy Center wasn’t unanimous, contradicting the president’s claims.

Some members abstained, while others cast votes against, according to Tapper — despite this, “he has surrounded himself with supporters, resulting in a significant majority in favor of him.”

Following the vote for chairman, Tapper described two other votes: one to replace Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter, who is set to retire later this year, and another to appoint Richard Grenell, a long-time Trump associate, as her successor.

Currently, Grenell is serving as Trump’s special presidential envoy for significant missions.

Trump’s statements during the confidential Kennedy Center board meeting occurred just days after he revealed his unexpected plan to assume the role of chair and eliminate the existing board.

On February 7, in a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced his intention to “restore the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to its former glory.”

“I have decided to immediately terminate several members of the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, for not aligning with our vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. Soon, we will introduce a new Board, featuring an outstanding Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!” he declared.

He cited drag performances hosted by the Kennedy Center as a motivating factor behind his desire for the chairmanship.