Christmas concert at Trump-Kennedy Center
Concert Cancellation
A Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center was canceled after longtime performer Chuck Redd withdrew.
He objected to the center adding Donald Trump’s name to its branding, saying it conflicted with the concert’s holiday spirit.
The event had run for over 20 years.
Backlash and Opposition
Artists, cultural leaders, and lawmakers criticized the decision, warning of political pressure on national arts institutions.
Members of the Kennedy family said the change violates the center’s purpose as a nonpartisan memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Trump’s Response
Trump said he was surprised but honored by the naming decision.
He described it as part of a broader effort to challenge what he calls “woke” culture in publicly funded arts spaces.
Wider Debate
Legal challenges question whether the move follows the Kennedy Center’s founding law.
The controversy has renewed debate over political influence, artistic independence, and public memory.
