Kennedy Center sees more than two dozen cancellations

Since President Trump returned to the White House and took a series of actions at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — including purging the board, ousting the longtime president, appointing an ally as chief executive, naming himself chairman and adding his name to the building’s facade — the institution has faced a wave of withdrawals.

More than two dozen musicians, dancers, theater companies and other groups have pulled out of performances, a pattern that is especially pronounced in the 2026 season. The list of cancellations includes figures and companies such as Philip Glass, Béla Fleck, Renée Fleming, the Martha Graham Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Washington National Opera and the musical "Hamilton," among others.

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