A multi-Grammy-winning banjoist has canceled three Kennedy Center performances set for February 2026, citing the venue’s new name—the Trump Kennedy Center—as a shift from art to politics.
Béla Fleck, known for his work on Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the National Symphony Orchestra, pulled out in January. The National Symphony’s executive director expressed disappointment but remained hopeful for a future return. Ticket holders now seek refunds amid the fallout.
Swift Name Change
The transformation unfolded rapidly. On December 18, 2025, the board voted unanimously to rename the venue. By December 19, Trump’s name appeared on the exterior. On December 20, the website updated to reflect “The Trump Kennedy Center.” This altered a 62-year legacy honoring John F. Kennedy in under 48 hours.
Rep. Joyce Beatty alleged in a lawsuit that her microphone was muted during a Zoom board meeting, preventing her from objecting. Board members reportedly claimed unanimity afterward, though legal filings highlight procedural flaws and silenced voices.
Artist Backlash Builds
Fleck described the center as “charged and political,” stating to NPR that the focus should remain on music. He could not ethically perform there. His decision sparked wider resistance. Jazz drummer Chuck Redd ended his 20-year tradition of hosting a free Christmas Eve “Jazz Jam” after the renaming; new president Richard Grenell responded with a $1 million lawsuit threat, accusing Redd of intolerance.
Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, enforced the changes. He clashed publicly with Fleck on social media, labeling his exit as a result of yielding to a “woke mob.” Fleck countered that the venue had already turned political.
Leadership Overhaul
In February 2025, Trump dismissed President Deborah Rutter and Chairman David Rubenstein, appointing himself board chairman and purging several members. His new board included Second Lady Usha Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Fox News host Laura Ingraham. This reshaped the institution from a cultural hub to one aligned with his vision.
A cascade of cancellations followed. Broadway’s “Hamilton” scrapped its run. Rhiannon Giddens, a Pulitzer and Grammy winner, withdrew her concert. Composer Stephen Schwartz, behind “Wicked,” pulled from a Washington National Opera gala, noting the center had become an ideological statement. Ben Folds resigned as NSO artistic adviser. Opera star Renée Fleming stepped down as Artistic Advisor at Large. Issa Rae canceled her show.
Mixed Signals on Success
The center reported $131 million in private donations and $257 million from Congress. Yet the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors drew 3.01 million viewers—a record low, down 26% from 2024’s 4.1 million and below 2023’s 5.3 million. Trump had predicted peak ratings. He claimed a 98% involvement in selecting honorees, including Sylvester Stallone, KISS, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, and Michael Crawford, bypassing the bipartisan committee.
Legal Reckoning Ahead
Beatty’s late-December lawsuit demands the reversal of the rename, removal of the signage, and restoration of the original name. It argues the president lacks authority. Joe Kennedy III, JFK’s great-nephew, likened it to renaming the Lincoln Memorial. Grandson Jack Schlossberg questioned the vote’s unanimity online. The Kennedy family pursues opposition.
Grenell’s claim of welcoming all—Democrats, Republicans, apolitical—clashed with lawsuits against artists. Federal law ties naming to Congress. The center, once a unifying arts landmark, now divides performers and patrons. Artists weigh principles against opportunities, while lawsuits loom. Control rests with Trump’s board, but court rulings could redefine its future, testing cultural independence amid political tides.
Sources
“Béla Fleck cancels Kennedy Center appearance, says it’s ‘charged and political’” – NPR, January 7, 2026
“President Trump adds his own name to the Kennedy Center” – NHPR, December 17, 2025
“Rep. Joyce Beatty with CNN’s Jake Tapper: Kennedy Center Vote Was Not Unanimous” – CNN, December 18, 2025
“Kennedy Center board votes to rename it ‘Trump Kennedy Center’” – CNN, December 18, 2025
“Trump assumes Kennedy Center chairmanship, ousts longtime president” – Politico, February 12, 2025
“Trump’s Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Plummet to Record Low” – IMDB News, January 9, 2026