A jazz concert scheduled for Christmas Eve at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has been canceled just days after the board voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the prestigious arts institution. The decision, announced on December 18, 2025, has sparked significant backlash from political figures and the Kennedy family.
The concert’s host, musician Chuck Redd, who has led the holiday “Jazz Jams” at the Kennedy Center since 2006, made the decision to cancel the performance after seeing Trump’s name prominently displayed on the building. Redd stated, “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert,” as reported by the Associated Press. The Kennedy Center’s website now reflects the cancellation of the event.
Controversy Surrounds Name Change
The Kennedy Center’s board unanimously voted to rename the institution the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” a move that has been met with fierce criticism. Members of the Kennedy family, including Maria Shriver, niece of President John F. Kennedy, expressed their discontent, with Shriver describing the decision as “beyond comprehension.” Another family member, Kerry Kennedy, vowed to work towards removing Trump’s name from the building once he leaves office.
The name change comes after a bill signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 designated the Kennedy Center as a living memorial to John F. Kennedy, following his assassination in 1963. This law prohibits the board from transforming the center into a memorial for any other individual or placing another name on the building’s exterior.
Impact on Performances and Public Outcry
Since Trump assumed the chairmanship of the Kennedy Center board in February 2025, numerous artists have canceled their performances at the venue, a trend that includes notable figures such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, who withdrew a production of “Hamilton.” The addition of Trump’s name has ignited protests, with demonstrators gathering outside the center to voice their objections.
The Kennedy Center’s recent actions reflect a broader cultural and political divide, prompting discussions about the legacy of John F. Kennedy and the implications of naming institutions after current political figures. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Kennedy Center will navigate the fallout from this controversial decision.
Fox News Digital has reached out to both the Kennedy Center and Chuck Redd for further comments. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
