On Christmas Eve 2025, a popular jazz event at the Kennedy Center went quiet. Drummer Chuck Redd canceled his yearly show. He objected to the venue’s new name, which now includes Donald Trump’s name next to John F. Kennedy’s. Redd had hosted the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam since 2006. He took over from bassist William “Keter” Betts. This cancellation came as the latest sign of trouble at the country’s top performing arts center. The center has faced board changes, artist pullouts, and falling ticket sales all year. These issues stem from federal control over this key cultural site.
Redd sent an email to the Associated Press explaining his choice. He pointed to the name change shown on the website and building signs. News of his decision spread fast among artists. It added to ongoing anger in the arts world.
Trump’s Name Goes Up on the Building
The all-Trump-appointed board voted on December 18, 2025, to rename the center. The new name is “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” Workers put up signs the very next day. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the change honors Trump’s help with the center’s money problems and building fixes.
But Democratic board member Representative Joyce Beatty pushed back. She said the White House claimed a full vote, but that was not true. Beatty said leaders muted her on the call. The name change was not even on the meeting agenda. Her objection highlights deep splits in how the board runs the center.
Legal Fights Heat Up
A U.S. law sets strict rules for the center’s name. Title 20, U.S. Code, Section 76q calls it the only national memorial to John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C., and nearby areas. Law expert Paul Schiff Berman says the law leaves no room for changes. It has no obvious ways around it.
Beatty took action on December 23, 2025. She filed a lawsuit in federal court. Her team argues the rename breaks the law. They want the old name back and the new signs taken down. This court battle could decide the center’s name for good.
Ticket Sales Drop and Artists Leave
Problems started earlier in 2025. In February, Trump removed board members and named himself chairman. He also fired President Deborah Rutter. Ticket sales fell hard after that. From September to October 2025, 43% of seats in the three biggest halls stayed empty. That compares to just 7% in 2024.
Big shows felt the hit too. Producers canceled Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” for spring 2026. They blamed leadership changes and new ideas at the center. Other shows struggled: “Parade” sold 57% of seats, and “Stayin’ Alive” just 34%. Trump went after what he called “woke” events. This led to dropped Pride Month programs and staff quits.
Wider Problems Shake the Center
The Kennedy family called the rename illegal and rude. Kerry Kennedy posted online that she would tear down the letters herself after Trump’s time ends. New center President Richard Grenell hit back at Redd’s cancelation. He sent a letter demanding $1 million for lost money.
Viewership for the December 7 Honors event tanked too. Trump hosted it, but only 2.65 million people watched on December 23. That was 35% less than in 2024. New CFO Donna Arduin reported a $100 million loss and $40 million in debt. But staff disagreed. They pointed to 2023 records showing a $6 million profit and $286 million in income.
Other blows keep coming. A Senate probe by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse claims favoritism. It points to $5 million lost when FIFA used the grounds for free. The American College Theatre Festival cut its 58-year tie. At least 10 workers resigned. Lawmakers proposed bills to undo the rename and block presidents from future changes without Congress approval.
This fight tests how much power the president has over cultural sites. Beatty’s lawsuit waits for a judge. Probes continue, and old partners pull away. With sales down, about 15 shows canceled, and donors wary, the center faces real risks. The Kennedy family’s strong stance means the battle will drag on. Courts, laws, and public backing will shape what happens next.
Sources:
Los Angeles Times, Kennedy Center board votes to rename venue Trump Kennedy Center, 2025-12-17
Fortune, The Kennedy Center is now the Trump Kennedy Center White House says, 2025-12-17
BBC News, Kennedy Center to be renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, 2025-12-18
Associated Press, Kennedy Center starts adding Trump’s name, 2025-12-19
NPR, Kennedy Center renaming prompts a new round of cancellations, 2025-12-31
New York Times, New Year’s Eve Concerts at Kennedy Center Are Canceled, 2025-12-29