Many performers, artists, and shows cancelled performances, ended working agreements, or otherwise disassociated themselves from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the national cultural center of the United States, after President Donald Trump in 2025 replaced the center's leaders and its board of trustees, had himself appointed chairman, and began making changes to the center's programming. The Trump administration also forced the cancellation of several shows in 2025.
On February 1, 2026, Trump announced plans to close the Kennedy Center for two years of renovations, beginning on July 4, 2026. The following day, CNN reported that the center's new leaders had been unable to sign enough acts to mount a 2026-27 season.
Cancellations and withdrawals by artists Name Action Date Issa Rae Canceled performance February 13, 2025 Renée Fleming Resigned as advisor February 13, 2025 Shonda Rhimes Resigned as trustee February 13, 2025 Ben Folds Resigned as advisor February 13, 2025 Low Cut Connie Canceled performance February 13, 2025 Rhiannon Giddens Canceled performance February 26, 2025 Peter Wolf Canceled performance March 5, 2025 Saturday Night Live writer Sylvia Traymore Morrison Canceled performance March 5, 2025 Balún (band) Canceled performance March 5, 2025 Louise Penney Canceled performance March 5, 2025 Amanda Rheaume Canceled performance March 5, 2025 "RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up" annual series Canceled performances March 5, 2025 Alfred Street Baptist Church Choir Canceled performance March 5, 2025 Eureka Day Canceled performances March 5, 2025 Hamilton Canceled performances March 6, 2025 Melissa Errico Canceled performances March 6, 2025 Washington Performing Arts Moved season of performances May 22, 2025 Members of the Les Misérables cast Withdrew from performances June 2025 Stephen Schwartz Canceled fundraiser December 2025 Doug Varone and Dancers Canceled performance December 2025 Kristy Lee Canceled performance December 19, 2025 American College Theatre Festival Suspended partnership December 22, 2025 Chuck Redd Canceled performance December 24, 2025 The Cookers (feat. Billy Harper) Canceled performance December 29, 2025 Washington National Opera Withdrew residence January 9, 2026 Béla Fleck Canceled performance January 7, 2026 Philip Glass Canceled performance January 2026 Martha Graham Dance Company Canceled performances January 2026 Wayne Tucker Canceled performances January 28, 2026 Brentano Quartet with Hsin-Yun Huang Canceled performance January 28, 2026 Vocal Arts DC Canceled performances January 28, 2026 Sonia De Los Santos Canceled performances January 28, 2026 Magpie Canceled performance January 28, 2026 Maria João Pires with Marc-André Hamelin Canceled performance January 28, 2026 Asian AF Canceled performances January 28, 2026 Seattle Children's Theatre Canceled performances January 27, 2026 Choral Arts Society of Washington Moved performance January 31, 2026 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Moved performances January 31, 2026 "Let Freedom Ring!", annual concert organized by Georgetown University Moved performance January 31, 2026 San Francisco Ballet Canceled performances February 28, 2026 New York City Ballet Canceled performances March 27, 2026
Performances cancelled by the Trump administration The Trump administration cancelled several planned performances, including: NameAction Date FinnCancelled performances February 13, 2025 Gay Men's Chorus of WashingtonCancelled performanceMarch 5, 2025 U.S. Marine BandWithdrew from performanceFebruary 2025 As of February 2, 2026, no plans had been announced for the performances that had been planned after July 4, when Trump said the center would close for two years of renovations.
Notes