A prestigious American arts institution is facing a mounting boycott from performers following a politically charged takeover and rebrand by the administration of Donald Trump.
Artists Withdraw in Protest of Trump-Kennedy Center Renaming
The Martha Graham Dance Company has become the latest major act to pull out of a scheduled performance, cancelling its April show. This decision places it among a growing list of artists protesting the recent transformation of the venue, now officially known as the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The controversial change was enacted by a board appointed by Donald Trump after he returned to the White House in February 2025. The new trustees, which include political allies Susie Wiles and Usha Vance, voted to rename the institution, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the Kennedy family and Democratic lawmakers. Trump has stated his intention to remove what he termed 'woke' programming from the centre's schedule.
Financial and Creative Strains Force Further Departures
The backlash extends beyond individual artists to long-standing resident companies. The Washington National Opera has announced it is seeking to terminate its affiliation with the Kennedy Center and will move all future performances elsewhere. The opera company cited the elimination of crucial financial support and the imposition of new requirements for upfront funding as primary reasons for its exit.
Adding to the exodus, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sonia De Los Santos has also withdrawn from her upcoming appearances. She publicly explained that the current atmosphere at the venue no longer feels welcoming for either her or her intended audience.
A Deepening Crisis for a Cultural Landmark
These cancellations represent a significant crisis for one of the United States' premier cultural venues. The series of high-profile withdrawals, driven by the politically motivated rebranding and shifts in artistic policy, threatens to undermine the centre's reputation and programming diversity. Observers note that the situation, first reported on Saturday 17 January 2026, continues to develop as more artists and organisations reconsider their involvement with the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center.
The growing boycott highlights the deepening intersection of political influence and cultural institutions, raising questions about artistic independence and the legacy of a landmark dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.
