Overview
- Jazz septet The Cookers pulled two New Year’s Eve shows, issuing a values‑focused statement as drummer Billy Hart said the rename “evidently” factored in.
- New York’s Doug Varone and Dancers withdrew April performances over the change, saying the decision is morally necessary despite an estimated $40,000 loss.
- Longtime host Chuck Redd canceled the traditional Christmas Eve Jazz Jam after the rebrand, prompting Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell to threaten a $1 million damages claim.
- Trustees aligned with Trump voted on Dec. 18 to append his name and signage appeared the next day, though any official renaming still requires an act of Congress.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty and other Democrats filed suit to remove Trump’s name, while Grenell dismissed recent withdrawals as partisan boycotts by artists booked under prior leadership.