Overview
- Jazz septet The Cookers withdrew from two New Year’s Eve concerts, issuing a statement about artistic freedom as drummer Billy Hart said the name change "evidently" influenced the decision.
- New York company Doug Varone and Dancers canceled April performances, citing the renaming and accepting a reported $40,000 loss to do so.
- Longtime host Chuck Redd called off the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam after the new signage appeared, prompting Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell to threaten a $1 million damages claim in a letter.
- The Trump-appointed board voted on Dec. 18 to append the president’s name, and the center’s exterior signage and website now reflect the change.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty has sued in D.C. federal court contending the memorial’s title can be altered only by Congress, as legal scholars note the founding statute bars adding another person’s name; Grenell has dismissed cancellations as political and says new performers are inquiring.