Multiple artists and performing arts organizations have canceled scheduled engagements at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts following significant administrative changes, including the appointment of Donald Trump as chairman of its board and a subsequent proposal to rename the institution. These developments have elicited varied responses from performers, Kennedy Center leadership, and external parties.
Administrative and Leadership Developments
In February 2025, former President Donald Trump was appointed chairman of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees. This appointment followed administrative and curatorial changes, including the removal of former president Deborah Rutter and previous board chair David Rubenstein. A new board was appointed, which included Usha Vance, Susie Wiles, and Laura Ingraham.
In December, the board voted to add President Trump's name to the institution, proposing to rename it "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" or the "Trump-Kennedy Center." This renaming requires authorization from the U.S. Congress. Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, an ex officio board member, has filed a lawsuit challenging the proposed name change. Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center's president/executive director, has publicly stated that the institution welcomes all people and prefers performers who are not political. Trump has also publicly addressed the Kennedy Center in the context of combating "woke" bias in cultural institutions.
Artist Withdrawals and Stated Reasons
A series of artists and groups have announced withdrawals from Kennedy Center performances since these changes, citing various reasons:
- Béla Fleck: The 17-time Grammy-winning banjoist canceled three mid-February concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). Fleck stated on social media that performing at the venue "has become charged and political," asserting that the institution's focus should be on music. He expressed an intent to collaborate with the NSO in the future. Grenell responded on X, stating Fleck "just made it political and caved to the woke mob" and that the Kennedy Center believes all people are welcome. Fleck countered via email, asserting, "I didn't make it political, it already was— and there was no mob pressuring me."
- Sonia De Los Santos: The singer-songwriter canceled two concerts and a "creative conversation" scheduled for February 7. De Los Santos, a Mexican American artist, stated on Instagram that she did not feel the "current climate at this beloved venue represents a welcoming space for myself, my band, or our audience," noting her platform to "uplift the stories of immigrants." Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi challenged her reasoning, stating, "Refusing to engage with an institution open to everyone is, in fact, a step towards discrimination."
- Stephen Schwartz: The composer and lyricist for musicals like "Wicked" withdrew from plans to host a May 2026 gala fundraiser for the Washington National Opera. Schwartz stated that appearing there had become an "ideological statement." Grenell disputed reports of Schwartz being signed, calling them "bogus."
- Chuck Redd: The jazz drummer and vibraphonist canceled his annual Christmas Eve show in December, citing the name change. The Kennedy Center announced its intent to file a $1 million lawsuit against Redd for this cancellation. Grenell condemned Redd's action.
- The Cookers: The jazz septet withdrew from New Year's Eve concerts, expressing a desire for "reflection, not resentment" and a commitment to playing music that bridges divisions.
- Doug Varone and Dancers: Choreographer Doug Varone pulled his company's April 2026 performance, citing the renaming, a perceived decline in artistry, and staff layoffs. The company subsequently launched a crowdfunding campaign.
- Issa Rae: The actress and writer canceled her March performance, citing what she believed to be an "infringement on the values" of the institution.
- Martha Graham Dance Company: The company announced its withdrawal from spring 2026 programming, citing "a variety of reasons."
- Renée Fleming: The acclaimed soprano withdrew from two scheduled May appearances. This action aligns with her earlier resignation as "Artistic Advisor at Large" a year prior, which she attributed to the departures of David Rubenstein and Deborah Rutter. The Kennedy Center cited a "scheduling conflict" for her May withdrawal.
- Magpie: The folk duo canceled their February 28 concert, stating agreement with the growing boycott and solidarity with fellow artists, describing the situation as creating a "moral picket line."
- Kristy Lee: The folk singer canceled her January 14 performance, citing "recent efforts to impose political branding on the Center" and emphasizing artistic freedom. She planned a live-streamed concert instead.
- Low Cut Connie: The rock and roll band pulled their February 2025 concert, with frontman Adam Weiner citing the institution being chaired by President Trump.
- Rhiannon Giddens: The folk singer announced her departure from the Kennedy Center lineup in February 2025, citing "recent programming changes forced on the institution by this new board." She transferred her concert to another venue.
- Balún: The Puerto Rican band canceled their February 27, 2025, performance, stating that "recent events made it clear that the space no longer aligns with our values," prioritizing "safety, integrity, and commitment to justice."
- U.S. Marine Band: The band withdrew from the Equity Arc Wind Symphony event in February 2025. Composer Kevin Charoensri stated in a social media post that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) orders under the administration resulted in the cancellation of the concert.
- Hamilton: The touring production canceled its performances in March 2025. Producer Jeffrey Seller cited opposition to leadership changes, concerns about contract reliability, and a perceived "purge by the Trump Administration of both professional staff and performing arts events." Grenell characterized this as a "publicity stunt."
- Asian AF: May shows for the variety show were initially listed as canceled on the Kennedy Center website before being removed. A Kennedy Center spokesperson cited a "scheduling conflict" for Asian AF, while a representative for the group did not immediately comment.
Washington National Opera Concludes Residency
The Washington National Opera (WNO) announced its departure from the Kennedy Center in January, concluding a residency that began in 1971. WNO attributed this decision to new policies requiring productions to be fully funded in advance, which they stated conflicted with their typical funding structure. The opera company also noted that the new model did not support its artistic mission of balancing popular and experimental operas. WNO clarified that the decision was amicable and has launched an independent website. Artistic director Francesca Zambello expressed regret regarding the departure but also communicated a commitment to the opera's mission and artistic vision for future performances in new venues.
The Kennedy Center confirmed the separation, describing the relationship as "financially challenging." Grenell stated that ending the exclusive partnership would provide flexibility and funds to host operas from various international and national companies, adding that the center initiated the decision. The WNO is now staging two operas at George Washington University.
Other Performance Changes
Vocal Arts DC canceled three Kennedy Center concerts due to "financial circumstances" but later announced new venues for its scheduled performers, including tenor Benjamin Bernheim and pianist Carrie-Ann Matheson, at George Washington University.