Trump's Kennedy Center Leadership Spurs Wave of Cancellations

Over 20 events have been canceled or postponed since Donald Trump took over, with artists citing both political objections and logistical challenges.

Donald Trump assumed leadership of the Kennedy Center in February, ousting previous board members and appointing Ric Grenell as interim executive director.
The Kennedy Center has reported over 20 event cancellations in the past six months, with reasons ranging from financial issues to artists withdrawing in protest.
High-profile cancellations include Hamilton's 2026 run and events by Issa Rae and Amanda Rheaume, with artists citing misalignment with the institution's new values.
The Kennedy Center claims many cancellations were due to low ticket sales or artist availability, but artists have publicly linked their decisions to political concerns.
Several prominent figures, including Shonda Rhimes, Ben Folds, and Renée Fleming, have distanced themselves from the institution following the leadership change.