A Christmas Eve jazz concert at Washington’s world-famous Kennedy Centerhas been cancelled after its long-time host withdrew in protest at the venue being renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The move has sparked fresh debate about politics, culture and presidential influence in the arts, a story that has also caught attention here in the UK, where publicly funded cultural institutions traditionally remain politically neutral.
What is the Trump-Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert?
The Trump-Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert was a free annual jazz performance held every 24 December at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
It has run for decades and is widely known for its relaxed, festive atmosphere and open access to the public. The show was also due to be livestreamed in 2025, making it accessible to global audiences, including viewers in the UK.
The concert’s host, jazz drummer and vibraphone player Chuck Redd, has led the event for many years and is closely associated with its success.
Why was the Christmas Eve concert cancelled?
The concert was cancelled after Chuck Redd pulled out in protest of the venue’s name change.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Redd said: “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert.”
He later told CNN: “I’ve been performing at the Kennedy Center since the beginning of my career, and I was saddened to see this name change.”
Following his withdrawal, the event was officially marked as “cancelled” on the Trump-Kennedy Center’s website.
Why was the Kennedy Center renamed after Donald Trump?
Last week, the Kennedy Center’s board of directors, now chaired by President Donald Trump, voted unanimously to rename the iconic venue the Trump-Kennedy Center.
President Trump said he was “surprised” by the decision but added he felt “honoured” by it. However, earlier this month, he had already referred to the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center”, suggesting the rebrand had been under discussion.
Key timeline:
- Early December 2025: Trump informally references the new name
- Mid-December 2025: Board votes unanimously to approve the rebrand
- Christmas week: Concert host withdraws, event cancelled
Do critics say the board had the authority to rename it?
Yes, and this is where the controversy deepens. Democratic congressional leaders and several arts organisations argue the board does not have the legal authority to rename the institution, which was originally dedicated to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963.
The Kennedy Center has long been viewed as a bipartisan national memorial rather than a political project linked to any sitting president.
How has Trump reshaped the Kennedy Center leadership?
Shortly after beginning his second term, President Trump removed board members appointed by former President Joe Biden.
He then:
- Appointed himself Chairman of the Board
- Named close ally Ric Grenell as interim executive director
This restructuring has raised concerns among artists about political interference in creative programming.
Are other artists boycotting the Trump-Kennedy Center?
Yes. Several high-profile figures have already announced they will not work at the venue.
Notably, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, has said he will not stage productions or events there following the leadership and branding changes.
This mirrors wider fears that the arts Centercould become politically branded rather than artist-led.
Why does this matter to a UK audience?
In the UK, institutions such as the Royal Opera House, National Theatre, and BBC Proms operate with strict political independence, even when public funding is involved.
Cultural experts here note that renaming a national arts venue after a sitting leader would be highly controversial under UK norms and could trigger parliamentary scrutiny.
