A Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has been canceled following the controversial decision to add Donald Trump‘s name to the iconic performing arts venue. This decision came shortly after the Kennedy Center’s board voted unanimously on December 18, 2025, to rename the institution the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” The announcement has sparked significant backlash, particularly from the Kennedy family and various artists.
Musician Chuck Redd, who has hosted the holiday “Jazz Jams” at the Kennedy Center since 2006, made the decision to cancel the concert upon seeing the name change on the center’s website and building. Redd expressed his dismay, stating, “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Strong reactions have emerged from various quarters regarding this name change. Maria Shriver, the niece of former President John F. Kennedy, described the decision as “beyond comprehension.” Another niece, Kerry Kennedy, has vowed to work towards removing Trump’s name from the building once he leaves office. The Kennedy Center was established as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963, under legislation signed by President Lyndon Johnson. This law specifically prohibits the board from altering the center’s memorial status or adding names to the building’s exterior, according to the Associated Press.
The decision to rename the center has also drawn protests. Demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to the board’s decision, emphasizing the potential implications for the legacy of President Kennedy. As part of the changes, workers added “Donald J. Trump” above the current signage on December 19, 2025, with the website header altered to read “The Trump Kennedy Center.”
The fallout from Trump’s association with the Kennedy Center has already affected its programming. Redd is among several artists who have canceled performances since Trump resumed office on January 20, 2025. Notably, Lin-Manuel Miranda also withdrew a production of “Hamilton” in protest.
The Kennedy Center, a cornerstone of American culture and arts, now faces a challenging period as it navigates this controversy. The venue’s significance as a national landmark will be tested as it continues to address the reactions from both the public and the artistic community.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how the Kennedy Center will manage its identity amid the changing political landscape and the implications of such a high-profile name association. The Associated Press contributed to this report, and inquiries directed to the Kennedy Center and Redd for further comments remain outstanding.
