Crosby Kemper III Rebukes Prez Trump Over Artsy Funding

For those who might not know better about how this cowtown works . . . 

Crosby Kemper III is Kansas City royalty. 

A quick bio for background: 

Crosby Kemper III is the former director of the U.S. National Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Previously director of the Kansas City Public Library from 2005 until 2020, Kemper's other experience includes CEO/Chairman of UMB Financial Corporation. 

That's a good place to start but here's a bit more HONEST prologue . . . 

More than anyone else, the Kemper Family controlled the destiny of KC proper at the outset of the modern era. They are nothing less than a foundational institution in this town. 

Just so our blog community won't mistake Crosby for small potatoes or just a local player  . . . Anybody who really understands how biz works might realize this . . . 

The Kempers are richer than the Trump family. 

I'm sure critics might find an AI report to try and prove TKC wrong about this contention but here's an example of HOW DEEP this somewhat local clan rolls: 

Mariner Wealth Advisors manages approximately $550 billion in assets under advisement (AUA) as of early 2025

That's a lot more impressive than trying to shill some rip-off mobile phone . . . And the Kemper money gig is just one branch of a family tree that's now starting to practice politics on a global scale despite their cowtown roots. 

Accordingly . . . And in a report that might not have earned its way onto social media feeds . . .  

CROSBY KEMPER OFFERS THE MOST STRIDENT CRITICISM OF MAGA WE'VE WITNESSED FROM A REPUBLICAN IN THE KANSAS CITY POLITICAL DISCOURSE!!! 

Agree or disagree . . . 

The statement is worth considering as we slouch toward midterm season: 

"Crosby Kemper III has loved the arts, promoted the arts and produced the arts for most of his adult life. The co-founder of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival also led the Kansas City Public Library for several years and at one time was board president of what was then called Missouri Repertory Theatre. In 2019, in the first Trump administration, Kemper accepted an appointment as director of a little-known federal agency, the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

"Kemper also happens to be a lifelong Republican. So we figured: Who better to speak about the second Trump administration’s assault on any and all arts and culture funding than Kemper?"

Regarding the impact of cuts to the arts, here's the money line that should garner attention and maybe even a bit of jeering amongst his GOP friends . . . Check-it: 

“It’s not clear, other than a celebration of Pope Donald, what they want to do,” Kemper said. Trump has shown the self-regard of a Roman emperor — as we’ve so often seen in movies about ancient Rome — and voiced his desire for a military parade in his own honor.

“It’s outside of the American tradition,” Kemper said. “George Washington wasn’t like that. Lincoln wasn’t like that. Americans don’t want an emperor. But here they are, cancelling grants — cancelling grants that have already been made. People were awarded the grants and organizations have already committed some of the money. It’s just bad behavior by the administration.” 

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KC Studio: Defunding the arts