The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts is facing significant backlash after being renamed to include the name of former President Donald Trump. Folk singer Kristy Lee, who was scheduled to perform at the venue on January 14, 2024, is reportedly in discussions to cancel her appearance. This decision reflects a growing sentiment among artists who are distancing themselves from the center due to its controversial renaming.
Performers are voicing their concerns about the implications of Trump’s name being associated with the center. One artist, who requested anonymity, described the renaming as a permanent “stain” on the venue, which has historically been a symbol of artistic excellence and nonpartisanship. Another artist expressed disappointment over what the Kennedy Center once stood for, stating, “Kennedy Center is supposed to be a memorial, focusing on being nonpartisan. A place where people, it doesn’t matter what party they believe in, should be performing and experiencing the arts together.”
The decision to rename the center follows a vote by its board, which now includes members seen as loyal to Trump. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the renaming, celebrating it as a new chapter for the institution. She wrote on social media, “Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!”
Despite this, many artists are grappling with their own choices regarding performances at the center. Some who have opted to continue their scheduled appearances view it as an act of resistance. “Reality show personality and con artist aren’t the type of artist the center showcases,” one musician remarked, adding that they do not associate the arts with Trump. This artist elaborated on the dilemma of boycotting the venue versus performing to maintain its cultural relevance.
The renaming has sparked outrage beyond the artistic community. Many of John F. Kennedy’s relatives have expressed their disapproval. Kerry Kennedy, the former president’s niece, humorously stated her intention to remove the new signage, saying, “Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters off that building, but I’m going to need help holding the ladder.”
In light of this controversy, ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have reportedly decreased as audiences have thinned since the renaming announcement. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comments on the matter, but no response has been given as of yet.
Critics argue that the Kennedy Center was established by law, and any changes to its name would require congressional action. Ray Smock, a former House historian, emphasized this point, stating, “The Kennedy Center was named by law. To change the name would require a revision of that 1964 law. The Kennedy Center board is not a lawmaking entity.”
As tensions rise around this issue, the future of the Kennedy Center as a cultural institution hangs in the balance, with many artists and supporters hoping to preserve its legacy beyond political affiliations.
