Overview
- The Washington Post reports the center’s bylaws were revised in May to restrict voting to Trump-appointed trustees, setting up a unanimous Dec. 18 vote to rename the venue the Donald Trump & John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
- The center’s vice president told the Post the change reflected long-standing practice, while some legal scholars argue the restriction may violate the institution’s charter.
- Musicians scheduled for year-end shows and groups such as The Cookers and Doug Varone and Dancers have withdrawn, citing principles of freedom, inclusion, and opposition to the new name.
- Center president Richard Grenell criticized the withdrawals on X as political activism and threatened jazz musician Chuck Redd with legal action seeking $1 million, according to a letter shared by U.S. media.
- Reporting describes programming shifts under the new leadership, including the removal of drag and LGBT+ events, the addition of religious conservative conferences, and early signs of weaker ticket sales.