Kennedy Center seeks $1m from musician who cancelled after Trump name added to venue

December 27, 2025

Richard Grenell, president of what has been renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, is demanding $1 million in damages from jazz musician Chuck Redd for canceling his annual Christmas Eve concert. Redd withdrew from the performance he had hosted since 2006 after the board voted to add President Trump's name to the historic Washington DC venue, calling it a response to seeing Trump's name etched onto the building. The renaming occurred after Trump fired original board members and replaced them with allies who voted unanimously to rebrand the institution as The Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

Who is affected

Chuck Redd (jazz musician facing the $1 million damages claim)
Richard Grenell (Trump Kennedy Center president demanding damages)
The Kennedy Center/Trump Kennedy Center (experiencing financial losses and reputational impacts)
Members of the Kennedy family (criticized the renaming)
Democrats and several artists (opposed to the change)
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (filed lawsuit, was muted during board meeting)
Concert attendees who purchased tickets
Original board members who were fired by President Trump

What action is being taken

Richard Grenell is seeking $1 million in damages from Chuck Redd
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty has filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Trump's name from the center
Crews are etching President Trump's name on the building's façade
The center's website and social media accounts are being renamed

Why it matters

This situation highlights the intersection of politics and cultural institutions, demonstrating how political decisions can disrupt long-standing artistic traditions and relationships. The controversy raises important questions about governance of federally-designated memorial sites and whether executive action alone can alter institutions established by congressional legislation. The conflict also illustrates broader tensions around Trump's influence over previously non-partisan cultural institutions and the financial and reputational consequences when artists choose to take political stands by withdrawing their performances.

What's next

Richard Grenell will pursue the $1 million damages claim against Chuck Redd
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty's lawsuit seeking to remove Trump's name will proceed through the courts

Read full article from source: BBC