Story perspectives

Kennedy Center Renamed After Trump, Artists Cancel Performances

1/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Kennedy Center is now renamed the U.S. President Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center, triggering backlash.
Artists, including The Cookers and Doug Varone and Dancers, canceled performances in protest, with Doug Varone saying cancellations are financially devastating but morally necessary.
Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell dismissed the cancellations as politically motivated and said Democrats may pursue legal challenges alleging the renaming violates statutes.

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Story summary

The Kennedy Center is now renamed the U.S. President Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center, triggering backlash.
Artists, including The Cookers and Doug Varone and Dancers, canceled performances in protest, with Doug Varone saying cancellations are financially devastating but morally necessary.
Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell dismissed the cancellations as politically motivated and said Democrats may pursue legal challenges alleging the renaming violates statutes.