At a Glance
- Kennedy Center renamed to include Donald Trump‘s name, sparking a wave of concert cancellations.
- Jazz group The Cookers, folk singer Kristy Lee, and other artists have walked off stage, citing political pressure.
- The board’s name change prompted criticism from lawmakers, the Kennedy family, and a lawsuit from Rep. Joyce Beatty.
- Why it matters: Artists are using their platforms to protest political influence over publicly funded cultural institutions.
When the Kennedy Center’s board voted to rename the venue after former President Donald Trump, a chorus of musicians responded by canceling scheduled performances. The move has ignited a broader debate about the intersection of politics and the arts.
Artists Walk Out Over Name Change
The decision to rename the iconic Washington, D.C., venue has led to a string of high-profile walkouts, beginning with jazz legend Chuck Redd who called off his Christmas Eve concert. The Cookers, scheduled for a Wednesday night show, and folk singer Kristy Lee, slated for January 14, have also withdrawn.
- Chuck Redd – Christmas Eve concert
- The Cookers – Wednesday night show
- Kristy Lee – January 14 performance
Statements from the Artists
Both artists released statements explaining their decisions, emphasizing the importance of institutional integrity and freedom of expression.
The Cookers stated:
> “Jazz was born from struggle and from a relentless insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, of expression, and of the full human voice. Some of us have been making this music for many decades, and that history still shapes us. Our hope is that this moment will leave space for reflection, not resentment.”
Kristy Lee said:
> “Canceling shows hurts, but losing my integrity would cost me more than any paycheck. When American history starts getting treated like something you can ban, erase, rename, or rebrand for somebody else’s ego, I can’t stand on that stage and sleep right at night.”
Kristy Lee added on her website:
> “The cancellation was due to concerns for the center’s ‘institutional integrity.’ I believe publicly funded spaces must remain free from political capture, self-promotion, or ideological pressure. This decision is not directed at the Center’s dedicated staff, artists, or patrons, whose work and commitment to the arts remain deeply respected. Rather, it is a statement in defense of the Center’s founding purpose and the ethical responsibility shared by artists who grace its stage.”
Board Actions and Legal Backlash
The board’s vote to rename the center took place this month, and the next day Trump’s name was affixed to the building’s façade. The move drew sharp criticism from lawmakers and the Kennedy family, who argue that the institution was established by Congress to honor President John F. Kennedy and cannot be renamed without congressional approval.
- Board vote to rename the center
- Trump’s name affixed to the façade
- Trump replaced the board with handpicked members who named him chair
- Programming changes, including removal of Pride events
Public and Institutional Response
The center’s president, Richard Grenell, threatened to sue artists who canceled, calling their actions a “political stunt.” Meanwhile, spokesperson Roma Daravi dismissed the cancellations as selfish and intolerant.
| Artist | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck Redd | Christmas Eve | Name change |
| The Cookers | Wednesday night | Political pressure |
| Kristy Lee | January 14 | Institutional integrity |
Key Takeaways
- The Kennedy Center’s renaming has triggered a national debate on politics in the arts.
- Artists are prioritizing integrity over performance, citing institutional freedom.
- Legal and political backlash continues as the center pushes forward with its new branding.
The Kennedy Center’s renaming controversy has sparked a national conversation about the role of politics in cultural institutions and the lengths to which artists will go to defend artistic freedom.
