Washington, District of Columbia — A dispute over politics and arts funding erupted this week after a longtime Kennedy Center performer abruptly canceled a Christmas Eve concert, citing objections to the venue’s recent renaming to include President Donald Trump’s name. The cancellation has prompted a sharp response from the center’s new leadership, including threats of significant financial penalties.
Richard Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center and a close Trump ally, accused musician Chuck Redd of engaging in what he called a “political stunt” that harmed a nonprofit cultural institution. In a letter shared with the Associated Press, Grenell said the center would seek $1 million in damages over Redd’s decision to withdraw days before the performance. Grenell argued the renaming honors Trump’s role in preserving the institution and said backing out at the last moment amounted to “classic intolerance.”
Redd, a jazz drummer and vibraphone player, has led holiday “Jazz Jams” at the Kennedy Center since 2006 and said the decision was not made lightly. He told the AP that he canceled after seeing Trump’s name added to the building and website, describing the move as incompatible with the event’s spirit. Redd noted the concert had become a popular holiday tradition and often featured student musicians.
The controversy follows a board vote approving the renaming after Trump reshaped the Kennedy Center’s leadership. Legal scholars and members of the Kennedy family argue the change violates federal law establishing the center as a living memorial solely to President John F. Kennedy. Critics say any permanent renaming would require congressional approval, setting the stage for a broader legal and cultural fight.
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