Trump Ally Calls Out Musician
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell issued a formal response Friday after veteran jazz drummer Chuck Redd abruptly canceled a scheduled performance at the renowned Washington, D.C., arts venue following the addition of President Trump’s name to the building.
According to The Associated Press, Grenell accused Redd of staging a political protest that resulted in financial losses for the Kennedy Center and disrupted programming for audiences who had already purchased tickets.
In his letter, Grenell said the cancellation—combined with weak ticket demand and limited donor support—caused measurable harm to the organization. He stated that the Center intends to pursue up to $1 million in damages related to the late withdrawal.
Grenell also praised President Trump for taking a more active role in overseeing the Kennedy Center earlier this year. That effort included restructuring the board and reviewing scheduled performances to ensure they align with the institution’s public mission.
The changes sparked objections from some artists and cultural figures, several of whom chose to cancel appearances in protest. Redd’s decision followed nearly 19 years of hosting the Center’s annual holiday “Jazz Jams,” making his cancellation especially notable.
In an email sent on Christmas Eve, Redd said he chose to withdraw after noticing President Trump’s name added to the Kennedy Center’s website and later to exterior signage on the building.
Grenell rejected that explanation, emphasizing that artistic institutions serve Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs.
“Artists should perform for the public, regardless of political affiliation,” Grenell wrote.
The dispute follows last week’s announcement from the White House confirming that Kennedy Center board members voted to add President Trump’s name to the venue, which also honors former President John F. Kennedy. Exterior signage was updated shortly afterward.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, arguing that congressional approval would be required. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the action may exceed the board’s authority.
Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, has filed a lawsuit challenging the decision. In the complaint, she argued that the Kennedy Center was intended by Congress to remain a nonpartisan cultural institution.
The lawsuit also claims that some participants in the board meeting were not given an opportunity to speak before the vote was finalized.
The controversy reflects ongoing tensions between politics and the arts, as prominent cultural institutions increasingly find themselves at the center of national debates.
