The Kennedy Center is facing significant backlash as artists reconsider their involvement following the controversial renaming of the venue to include former President Donald Trump‘s name. Folk singer Kristy Lee, who was scheduled to perform on January 14, 2024, is currently in discussions to cancel her appearance, reflecting a growing sentiment among performers to distance themselves from the arts institution.
Reports indicate that several artists are re-evaluating their ties to the Kennedy Center after the board voted to incorporate Trump’s name into the venue’s title. One anonymous artist expressed that the decision has left a lasting “stain” on the center, which historically stood as a nonpartisan space for artistic expression. Another artist lamented, “The Kennedy Center is supposed to be a memorial, focusing on being nonpartisan. A place where people, regardless of political affiliation, should gather to experience the arts together.”
Despite the controversy, some artists have chosen to proceed with their scheduled performances as a form of resistance against the changes. “Reality show personality and con artist aren’t the type of artist the center showcases,” one performer stated. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the center’s legacy, suggesting that by performing, they could help preserve the institution for future generations.
The backlash intensified following an announcement by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who confirmed the renaming after a vote by the venue’s board, now said to be aligned with Trump’s political supporters. Leavitt praised the decision, stating, “Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!”
The board includes influential figures such as Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, and Pam Bondi, Attorney General. Reports indicate that Trump participated in the board meeting leading up to the vote. The venue, now officially titled “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” has seen ticket sales decline and audiences dwindle since the announcement.
Critics argue that renaming the center contravenes the law, as it was established under a specific legislative act in 1964. Ray Smock, a former House historian, noted, “The Kennedy Center was named by law. To change the name would require a revision of that law. The Kennedy Center board is not a lawmaking entity.” Many relatives of John F. Kennedy have also expressed their outrage. Kerry Kennedy, the former president’s niece, humorously suggested on social media that she plans to remove the name herself, stating, “Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters off that building.”
The decision to rename the center has prompted a broader discussion about the intersection of politics and the arts. Artists continue to grapple with how best to respond to Trump’s influence over this iconic institution, weighing the implications of boycotting versus the necessity of maintaining artistic presence within the center. As tensions rise and discussions evolve, the future of the Kennedy Center remains uncertain, with many hoping for a restoration of its original mission as a space for all artists.
