Artists Canceling Kennedy Center Shows As Ticket Sales Plummet After Trump Takeover

A growing number of artists are reconsidering their scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following a dramatic leadership shift that has left the institution in turmoil.

The controversy began when President Donald Trump was elected chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, leading to the immediate dismissal of longtime President Deborah F. Rutter. Trump’s decision to appoint former acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell as interim president has further fueled concerns.

Trump, who announced his takeover via Truth Social, vowed to make the center “GREAT AGAIN,” stating, “The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation.” Many perceived this as a dismissal of the artists previously booked to perform.

According to Kennedy Center staff members who spoke on the condition of anonymity, ticket sales dropped by approximately 50% in the week following the announcement.

Comedian W. Kamau Bell was among the first to address the situation. Though he proceeded with his scheduled performance, he acknowledged the deep divisions the leadership change had caused. “I’m the exact kind of performer [Trump] doesn’t want in there, so this is the most important time to do my gig,” he said.

Outside the venue, drag queens staged a dance protest against Trump’s stance on LGBTQ performances, further highlighting the tensions surrounding the center’s future.

Some artists chose to withdraw from their events altogether. Actress and comedian Issa Rae was among the first to pull out. At the same time, bestselling author Louise Penny announced she would no longer debut her new novel at the Kennedy Center. “As soon as what amounts to a coup happened with President Trump, there was absolutely no way I was going to do it,” Penny said.

Other performers, such as soprano Karen Slack, have opted to stay, viewing their performances as acts of resistance. “My art is my resistance,” Slack said, explaining her decision to proceed with a recital honoring powerful women who fought against oppression.