Kennedy Center plans $1 million lawsuit after musician cancels show over Trump name change

WASHINGTON, DC: The Kennedy Center says it plans to pursue a $1 million lawsuit against jazz musician Chuck Redd. This comes after he withdrew from his long-running Christmas Eve performance. A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center has condemned Redd’s decision and voiced strong criticism of his action.

Redd withdrew just after President Donald Trump’s name was added to the performing arts center’s list. The musician has now shared his views. He explained why he chose not to perform. Not just Redd, several artists have withdrawn from shows and cut ties with the Kennedy Center since Trump replaced the board and became chairman.

Chuck Redd’s performance cancellation draws strong criticism

An email sent on Saturday, December 27, shows NPR News contacted the Kennedy Center for comment. Spokesperson Roma Daravi responded and said the decision was a disservice to the arts.

"Any artist cancelling their show at the Trump Kennedy Center over political differences isn't courageous or principled - they are selfish, intolerant, and have failed to meet the basic duty of a public artist: to perform for all people," she said.

Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell also addressed the issue. He sent a sharply worded letter to Chuck Redd on Friday, criticizing the cancellation and describing it as a political act. The Kennedy Center later shared that letter with NPR. 

"Regrettably, your action surrenders to the sad bullying tactics employed by certain elements on the left, who have sought to intimidate artists into boycotting performances at our national cultural center," the letter states.

Grenell expanded on his views in a post on X the same day. He wrote: "The left is boycotting the Arts because Trump is supporting the Arts. But we will not let them cancel shows without consequences. The Arts are for everyone - and the Left is mad about it."

As per AP News, in the letter sent to Redd, Grenell wrote, “Your decision to withdraw at the last moment - explicitly in response to the Center’s recent renaming, which honors President Trump’s extraordinary efforts to save this national treasure - is classic intolerance and very costly to a non-profit Arts institution.”

“This is your official notice that we will seek $1 million in damages from you for this political stunt,” Grenell wrote.

Trump’s name was added to the Kennedy Center building last week. The change followed a vote by the Board of Trustees to rename the venue. The exterior signage now reads, “The Donald J Trump and The John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

According to the Kennedy Center, Redd has collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution for over 20 years, including a stint as artist-in-residence from 2004 to 2008.

What did Chuck Redd say about pulling out of the performance?

Chuck Redd, a globally known drummer and vibraphone player, had been a longtime host of the Kennedy Center’s Christmas Jazz Jam. “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert,” Redd told The Associated Press in an email.

Redd, who has toured with jazz legends like 'Dizzy Gillespie' and 'Ray Brown', has been running the holiday 'Jazz Jams' at the Kennedy Center since 2006. He stepped into the role after bassist William 'Keter' Betts.

He is not the only artist making that call. Since Trump reshaped the board and took over as chairman, several performers have walked away from the venue. Hamilton canceled its planned 2026 run. Actor and producer Issa Rae backed out of her appearance. Folk musician Rhiannon Giddens also moved her show to another Washington venue.