Kennedy Center Renamed to Trump-Kennedy Center Sparks Artist Cancellations and Legal Disputes
The Kennedy Center board voted earlier this month to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center, a decision that has prompted significant outcry and legal challenges. Following the vote, the sign outside the Kennedy Center was amended to include Trump's name.
The name change has resulted in a growing lineup of artists canceling their performances at the center. Notably, The Cookers, a Grammy-nominated post-bop jazz septet, canceled their New Year's Eve booking. They issued a statement framing jazz as a fight for freedom of thought, expression, and voice. Earlier, jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled a Christmas Eve gig at the center amid the controversy. In response, Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell threatened to sue Redd for $1 million, dismissing the cancellation as a political stunt.
Additionally, folk singer Kristy Lee also canceled a concert scheduled for next month in protest of the name change. The controversy continues to affect performance schedules at the center as reactions evolve.
