(NEW YORK, 2025-12-25) – A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center, a holiday tradition spanning over two decades, has been canceled following the White House’s announcement last week that President Donald Trump’s name would be added to the facility.
A long-running holiday concert series at the Kennedy Center was canceled after the White House directed the addition of President Trump’s name to the building.
- Musician Chuck Redd canceled the Christmas Eve jazz concert in response to the name change.
- The Kennedy Center’s facade now reads “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
- The White House stated that the president’s appointed board approved the decision, a move scholars say may violate federal law.
the concert’s host,musician Chuck Redd,said he called off the performance after learning of the name change,according to a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday. Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player who has lead the holiday “Jazz Jams” at the Kennedy Center since 2006, succeeding bassist William “Keter” Betts, stated, “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert.”
as of last Friday, the building’s facade displays “The Donald J. trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The White House said the president’s handpicked board approved the decision. Scholars have indicated the change might potentially be unlawful.
Legal Challenges and Congressional Intent
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A 1964 law passed by Congress designated the center as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy,and explicitly prohibits the board of trustees from establishing a memorial to anyone else or adding another person’s name to the building’s exterior,according to a review of U.S. code. Former House historian Ray Smock is among those who say any changes to the center’s name would require congressional approval.
Kennedy niece Kerry Kennedy has vowed to remove Trump’s name from the building once he leaves office.
Trump’s Involvement and Broader Trends
President Trump, a Republican, has become deeply involved with the Kennedy Center after largely ignoring it during his first term. he has replaced the center’s leadership, overhauled the board, and positioned himself as its chairman. He also personally hosted this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, departing from the long-standing tradition of presidents primarily serving as spectators.
the changes at the Kennedy Center are part of a larger effort by the president to combat what he calls “woke” culture at federal cultural institutions.
Artistic Responses
Numerous artists have canceled performances at the Kennedy Center since Trump returned to office, including issa Rae and Peter Wolf. Lin-Manuel Miranda also canceled a planned production of “hamilton.”
The Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The center’s website lists the Christmas Eve jazz jam as canceled.
The cancellation of the Christmas Eve jazz concert underscores the growing tension between artistic expression and political influence at a cultural landmark dedicated to the memory of President John F. Kennedy.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Associated Press and PBS NewsHour and added autonomous analysis and context.