KennedyCenter Trending News

2026-03-28 09:40:45

Jazz Artist Fights Kennedy Center Lawsuit Over Trump Protest

Musician Chuck Redd seeks dismissal of the Kennedy Center's lawsuit over his canceled Christmas Eve show. He argues he never signed a contract and that the suit aims to intimidate artists protesting the venue's renaming under Trump's influence. read more

2026-03-27 00:00:43

Kennedy Center Layoffs Precede Contentious Two-Year Shutdown

The Kennedy Center begins layoffs, including two Trump-appointees, as it prepares for a two-year closure for renovations. Staff criticize the move as a "dismantling," while the administration cites necessary maintenance. The closure starts in July. read more

2026-03-26 15:50:16

Democrat Sues to Remove Trump from Kennedy Center Name

A Democratic lawmaker asks a federal judge to reverse the Kennedy Center's renaming to include Trump's name. She argues Congress intended it solely as a memorial to JFK. The board's December change prompted legal and historical challenges. read more

2026-03-24 04:10:05

Architects Sue to Halt Trumps Kennedy Center Renovation

Architects and preservation groups sue to halt President Trump's planned "hastily" gutting of Washington's Kennedy Center. The lawsuit seeks immediate judicial relief, arguing the renovation lacks required congressional approval and would cause irreparable harm to the historic landmark. read more

2026-03-16 21:40:07

Kennedy Center to Close for Two-Year Trump-Backed Renovation

The Kennedy Center will close this summer for two years of renovations after a unanimous vote by its Trump-appointed board. The closure follows the resignation of its president last week, continuing a major leadership overhaul at the institution. read more

2026-03-13 00:50:15

Spam Folder Ends Trump Exclusion Claim

Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty accused Trump of blocking her from a Kennedy Center meeting. She later admitted the invitation was in her spam folder. Beatty's lawsuit seeks to stop the center's closure and a Trump-appointed board's renaming effort. read more

2026-02-21 17:00:05

Kennedy Center Show Canceled After Toxic Vandalism

A toxic chemical attack on the Kennedy Center's outdoor ice rink forced a performance cancellation. Officials are investigating the vandalism, which follows recent bomb threats and controversy over the center's Trump-led renaming. read more

2026-02-11 15:30:13

Kennedy Center Staff Face Furloughs for Trump Renovation

Kennedy Center staff face furloughs and department reductions during a two-year renovation project initiated by President Trump. Center President Richard Grenell warned of "skeletal teams" during the closure, with construction set to begin in early July. read more

2026-02-03 04:10:09

Trump Shuts Kennedy Center for Major Two-Year Renovation

President Trump says the Kennedy Center will not be demolished but must close for two years for major renovations. He cites extensive deferred maintenance, estimating a $200 million cost for comprehensive upgrades and "the highest-grade everything." read more

2026-02-02 01:40:04

Trump Shutters Kennedy Center for Two-Year Renovation

The Kennedy Center will halt entertainment events for two years starting July 4th for renovations, as announced by Donald Trump. The venue has faced performer cancellations and low ticket sales since his leadership overhaul. read more

2026-01-29 17:10:08

Kennedy Center Programming Chief Quits After Five Days

The Kennedy Center's new head of artistic programming resigned after just five days. This follows the controversial Trump-appointed board renaming the institution and artists boycotting over political changes at the historic arts venue. read more

2026-01-29 15:40:05

Kennedy Center Appointee Resigns Amid Artistic Exodus

Kevin Couch resigned as Kennedy Center VP less than two weeks after his hiring. His departure follows leadership changes and the controversial renaming to "Trump-Kennedy Center," which has prompted artist protests and declining ticket sales. read more

2025-03-15 16:40:03

JD Vance and Usha Vance heckled at Kennedy Center concert

JD Vance and Usha Vance faced jeers at a concert in Washington, D.C., as Donald Trump's presence at the Kennedy Center sparked controversy against "woke" culture. The venue attracts many visitors and was unsettled after Trump took control, stirring continued backlash. read more

2025-02-23 17:10:45

Trump's MAGA Appointment at Kennedy Center Causes Ticket Sales Plunge

Donald Trump took control of the Kennedy Center, resulting in a 50% drop in ticket sales. He replaced the leadership with a MAGA loyalist, causing artists like Issa Rae and Louise Penny to cancel appearances. The move aims to bring a "Golden Age of the Arts" to the institution. read more

2025-02-19 22:10:44

Trump's Changes at Kennedy Center Spark Controversy and Resignations

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., faced changes under Trump as he ousted leadership, filled the board with supporters, and announced himself as chair. Performances were canceled, seemingly due to financial issues. Artists and consultants have resigned in response. . read more

2025-02-13 22:40:05

Celebrities Distance Themselves from Kennedy Center Amid Trump Takeover

Performers such as Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and Ben Folds distance themselves from the Kennedy Center after Donald Trump's takeover, leading to cancellations and resignations. Stars cite values clash and lack of support as reasons for disassociation. read more

2025-02-13 07:40:04

Rhimes and Folds Resign from Kennedy Center Over Trump Appointment

Shonda Rhimes and Ben Folds resign from Kennedy Center after Trump becomes chairman, leading to a wave of resignations. Trump aims to make the center "special" but faces backlash. Rhimes steps down as treasurer, Folds resigns as artistic adviser. read more

2025-02-12 23:40:03

Trump Named Chair of Kennedy Center, Arts Community Expresses Concerns

Donald Trump has been elected as the new chair of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, following a board vote. He appointed loyalists to the board, including making his foreign policy adviser interim director. Critics fear censorship and politicization of the arts. read more

2025-02-12 21:50:04

President Trump named chairman of Kennedy Center amid backlash

The board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts confirmed Trump as chairman, aiming to end "woke" performances. Trump promises a "Golden Age in Arts and Culture." Changes are expected to appeal more to conservatives. read more

2025-02-11 02:10:03

Trump Appoints Loyalist Ric Grenell to Lead Kennedy Center

Donald Trump appoints Ric Grenell, a loyalist, as interim executive director of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, alarming concerns about art politicization. The move follows Trump's dismissal of board members and opposition to drag shows, contradicting past support for the center. read more

2025-02-08 05:40:03

President Trump to Lead Kennedy Center Board, Dismisses Members

Former President Donald Trump announces his appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center, accusing the current chairman of not sharing his vision and criticizing "drag shows" at the center. Trump plans to dismiss board members and take control, facing opposition. read more

2025-02-08 03:10:04

Trump Declares Plans to Lead Kennedy Center for Arts Revival

The Kennedy Center in Washington was illuminated in blue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the UN in 2015. President Trump announced his appointment as the new chairman and the removal of several board members to revitalize the center. read more