Kennedy Center Renamed After Trump, Drummer Chuck Redd Cancels Concert Citing Political Dispute
The Kennedy Center has been renamed as The Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts following a unanimous vote by the board. This decision was announced by the White House, with supporters framing the renaming as recognition of former President Trump's renovations to the venue.
Signage reflecting the new name has been placed on the center's façade, and the official website and social media accounts have been updated accordingly.
In response to the name change, drummer Chuck Redd, who has hosted the annual Christmas Eve concert at the Kennedy Center since 2006, canceled his planned 2023 performance. The center is seeking $1 million in damages from Redd for the cancellation. Richard Grenell, described as the Trump Kennedy Center president, sent a letter labeling the cancellation a political stunt that is costly to the nonprofit arts institution.
The renaming of the center has generated controversy. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Trump's name, arguing that such a renaming requires an act of Congress. She also claimed she was muted at the board meeting where the vote occurred.
The Kennedy Center originated as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, with construction beginning in the 1950s following Congress's decision in the wake of his 1963 assassination.
