The Arts in America

Following the decision of Judge Christopher R. Cooper to remove President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center, Trump has released a statement transferring responsibility of the Kennedy Center back to Congress. 

A federal judge in Washington has ordered that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must remove President Trump’s name from the building and all official branding.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is condemning management of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, alleging the  Kennedy Center is violating its union contract.

The leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is mounting a public campaign to defend its planned two-year shutdown, walking lawmakers, donors, and the press through cobwebbed pump rooms, corroded loading docks, and a rust-pocked electrical vault to demonstrate that the building has aged past the point of routine repair.

In a new article, Josef Palermo, an artist who served as the Kennedy Center’s first curator of visual arts, detailed his experience amidst the Trump administration's takeover of the institution.

Jane Fonda lent her voice to a protest against President Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center. The event, The titled was hosted by the Committee for the First Amendment.

New York City Ballet announced Friday it will not perform its scheduled six-day engagement at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., during the week of June 1. The company informed its dancers via email, offering no public explanation for the decision.

Since early 2025, the Kennedy Center has faced major upheaval following the Trump administration’s takeover—here’s a timeline of key developments leading to its planned two-year shutdown.

The Kennedy Center’s board of trustees has approved a two-year closure of the Washington performing arts complex for renovations, according to reporting from CNN.

Richard Grenell is expected to step down as president of the Kennedy Center, according to Axios, with facilities executive Matt Floca set to succeed him ahead of a planned two-year closure for renovations.

The Kennedy Center Honors will be renamed the “Trump Kennedy Center Honors,” according to The New York Times. The ceremony will relocate during the Kennedy Center’s planned two-year renovation.

Washington National Opera General Director Timothy O'Leary discusses the company's transition, community support, rebuilding operations, and future plans, including upcoming productions of TREEMONISHA, THE CRUCIBLE, and WEST SIDE STORY.

President Donald Trump’s plan to close the Kennedy Center for two years has left the National Symphony Orchestra scrambling to find a new venue and raised questions about funding.

Patti LuPone gave a passionate speech during a recent Carnegie Hall concert, calling our Trump's recent changes to the Kennedy Center. Watch the video, along with responses from Tyne Daly and Betty Buckley.

President Donald J. Trump announced plans to temporarily close the Kennedy Center starting July 4, 2026, for an approximately two-year reconstruction, pending board approval.

Renée Fleming has withdrawn from two scheduled appearances in May at the Kennedy Center, marking the latest high-profile cancellation at the storied arts institution following sweeping leadership changes under President Donald Trump.

Washington National Opera’s planned separation from the Kennedy Center is moving into a complex legal stage, with negotiations underway over assets, facilities, and the future of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

Seattle Children's Theatre has withdrawn from a planned two-week engagement of Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing a changed landscape and concerns for artists involved.

The Martha Graham Dance Company has canceled its scheduled April engagement at the Kennedy Center, removing the stop from its nationwide centennial tour.

Washington National Opera announces spring 2026 performances at venues across the D.C. area, including Treemonisha, The Crucible, and additional concerts during its 70th anniversary season.

Seattle Children’s Theatre is reviewing whether to move forward with a planned engagement of YOUNG DRAGON: A BRUCE LEE STORY at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

A MoveOn petition created by Qommittee calls on Kennedy Center donors to suspend funding and redirect support amid controversy over leadership, programming, and artist cancellations.

The Washington National Opera has approved a resolution to move its performances out of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ending a relationship that has spanned more than five decades.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sonia De Los Santos has canceled upcoming Kennedy Center performances, citing concerns about the venue’s current climate.

Stephen Schwartz, who was previously set to host the Washington National Opera Gala at the Kennedy Center, is dropping out of the event after President Donald Trump's name was added to the building.