Kennedy Center Cancels Trump Christmas Party

Jazz Musician Cancels Kennedy Center Performance Following Name Change to “Trump-Kennedy Center“

Washington D.C. – December 25,2025 – Veteran jazz musician redd has canceled his scheduled Christmas Eve performance at the kennedy Center following the recent decision to rename the iconic performing arts center the “trump-Kennedy Center.” The proclamation of the name change, made earlier this month, has sparked controversy and, now, performance cancellations.

redd, who has performed at the Kennedy Center since the beginning of his career, expressed his disappointment to CNN. “I decided to cancel our Christmas Eve jazz jam session when I saw the name change last Friday,” he stated. “It saddens me that the name has changed.”

The Kennedy Center’s supervisory board unanimously approved the renaming, with Donald Trump, who has served as chairman of the board since February, reportedly supporting the decision. The annual Christmas Eve jazz concert is a long-standing tradition at the venue, typically offering a livestream option for audiences unable to attend in person.

The name change has been met with mixed reactions, raising questions about the influence of political figures on cultural institutions.Further details regarding the decision-making process and potential future impacts on the Kennedy Center’s programming are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.