Artists Cancel Performances Following Trump-Kennedy Center Rebranding
Several artists have canceled their performances at the Kennedy Center after the board unanimously voted on December 18 to rename the venue the “Trump–Kennedy Center.” This change included adding former President Donald Trump's name to the center's exterior and updating the website header accordingly.
The jazz septet The Cookers canceled two New Year's Eve performances at the Terrace Theater, citing jazz's history of freedom and expression and expressing a desire for their audience to experience the music fully upon their return. Drummer Billy Hart told The New York Times that the addition of Trump's name influenced their decision to withdraw. Other cancellations include Doug Varone and Dancers, who backed out of planned April performances, and Chuck Redd, who canceled a Christmas Eve show earlier in December amid the controversy.
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell attributed the cancellations to artists initially booked under prior leadership and criticized the boycott efforts as misguided, emphasizing that the arts serve everyone. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees includes Usha Vance, Susie Wiles, and Dan Scavino, with Trump noted as board chair following leadership changes in February.
