Musical Artists Withdraw from Kennedy Center Amid Trump Naming Controversy

Tue Dec 30 2025 22:28:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A wave of artists, including the jazz supergroup The Cookers, have canceled performances at the Kennedy Center following President Trump's name being added to the institution. The cancellations reflect broader tensions in the artistic community regarding political affiliations.

The Cookers have joined several other artists in canceling performances at the Kennedy Center after President Trump’s name was displayed at the institution. This move has sparked discussions on the politicization of art and its impact on cultural performance spaces. While some artists refuse to perform under the new board, others express a desire to unify through art despite the divisive political climate.

More artists have canceled scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following the addition of President Trump's name to the facility, including jazz supergroup The Cookers who recently pulled out of a planned New Year’s Eve concert. The Kennedy Center's president expressed disappointment over these cancellations, indicating a disconnection between the artists and their audience regarding political ramifications in the music world.

This latest withdrawal continues a trend first sparked in spring after President Trump ousted the Kennedy Center board and took a leading role in the institution. At that time, notable figures like Issa Rae and the producers of 'Hamilton' also stepped back from participating.

The Cookers announced their decision to withdraw from 'A Jazz New Year’s Eve' via their website, citing rapid developments and the frustration that may follow for ticket holders. Despite not directly referencing the building's renaming, they emphasized their commitment to creating a music environment that is inclusive and bridges societal divisions.

Billy Harper, a member of the group, publicly denounced the new branding, highlighting a stand against what he perceives as overt racism and an undermining of African American culture. He stated he couldn't support a venue associated with such divisive politics.

Richard Grenell, a Trump ally and newly appointed chairman of the Kennedy Center, criticized the artists who canceled, suggesting their decisions reflect a narrow artistic vision that does not encompass all perspectives. He noted that many 'real artists' are eager to perform, distancing themselves from the politicization of the venue.

While the Kennedy Center considers its future course of action regarding these cancellations, some artists, like bluegrass performer Randy Barrett, support their colleagues' rights while advocating for the need for music in bridging cultural divides amid political crises.

Significantly, legal experts indicate that changing the building's designation would necessitate congressional approval, as current laws prevent renaming it as a memorial to anyone but President John F. Kennedy.