Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Stephen Schwartz Joins Kennedy Center Boycotts as Legal and Senate Scrutiny Deepen

The institution’s renaming collides with statutes reserving naming authority to Congress.

Overview

  • Stephen Schwartz said he will not host the Washington National Opera Gala, joining a growing list of artists canceling over the Trump-branded rename.
  • Kennedy Center interim president Richard Grenell has threatened to seek $1 million in damages from some artists who withdrew, calling their actions political stunts.
  • Rep. Joyce Beatty filed a federal lawsuit seeking removal of Trump’s name, arguing the board lacked authority to change a congressionally designated memorial.
  • Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s inquiry alleges preferential contracts, luxury expenses, and an estimated $5,038,444 loss tied to granting FIFA exclusive campus access.
  • A satirical website at trumpkennedycenter.org, created by writer Toby Morton, is drawing attention as public pushback to the center’s rebranding grows.