‘Insecure’ Star Issa Rae Cancels Performance At The Kennedy Center Following Trump’s Takeover

Baila Eve ZismanFebruary 15, 2025, 5:45 pmNews >

Actress and Insecure executive director Issa Rae has canceled her sold-out show at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. following Donald Trump’s firing of board members and self-appointing himself as chairman.

In an announcement on her Instagram story, Rae wrote, “Thank you so much for selling out the Kennedy Center for An Evening with [Me]. Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue. All tickets will be refunded.”

She added, “Thank you so much for understanding, and I hope to see you soon. Love, Issa.” The event was scheduled for March 16.

The new Kennedy Center voted unanimously to elect Trump as the new chair of the venue, following his firing all the board members and replacing them with his own picks. Trump has expressed targeted plans to shift the institution’s focus away from so-called “woke culture.” The absence of the members Trump fired, who were appointed by former President Joe Biden, ended the 36-member board’s previous even divide between Republican and Democrat members.

Trump’s takeover has resulted in others distancing themselves from the performing arts center. Former treasurer Shonda Rhimes, the creator of TV shows Scandal and Gray’s Anatomy, resigned from her position, posting a quote by JFK on Instagram: “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

Singer-songwriter Ben Folds also stepped down from his title as artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, labeling the changes in the institution as “not for me.” Artistic adviser for the venue Renee Fleming also left the institution when it came under new management.

The Kennedy Center was established in 1964 as a “living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.