Artists Protest Trump’s Takeover of the Kennedy Center
Rhiannon Giddens Leads the Charge in Canceling Performances
Award-winning singer-musician Rhiannon Giddens has joined a growing list of artists boycotting the Kennedy Center following President Donald Trump’s controversial takeover of the institution. Giddens, known for her eclectic roots music and collaborations with artists like Francesco Turrisi, announced on social media that she would cancel her May 11, 2025, show at the Kennedy Center and relocate it to The Anthem, another Washington, D.C. venue. She emphasized that her decision was a direct response to Trump’s influence over the center, which she described as a previously bipartisan institution. Giddens, a Grammy winner and MacArthur "Genius" grant recipient, is not alone in her stance. Other notable figures, including actor Issa Rae, author Louise Penny, and rock band Low Cut Connie, have also canceled their scheduled events at the center.
The Kennedy Center’s Shift Under Trump’s Leadership
The Kennedy Center, a 100-foot-high complex supported by government funds and private donations, has long served as a symbol of American cultural excellence. It features a concert hall, opera house, theater, lecture hall, meeting spaces, and the "Millennium Stage," which hosts free performances. Traditionally, the center has been a place where presidents and artists could coexist, even when they held differing political views. However, Trump’s takeover has marked a significant shift in the institution’s direction. His leadership has been part of a broader campaign against “woke” culture, a term often used pejoratively to describe progressive or liberal values. This shift has led to widespread criticism and protests from the artistic community, with many performers choosing to distance themselves from the center.
Artists Take a Stand: A Wave of Cancellations
The wave of cancellations at the Kennedy Center reflects a deeper frustration among artists with Trump’s influence. Singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens, for instance, emphasized that her show was booked long before Trump’s involvement with the center. Her decision to relocate the event highlights her discomfort with the current administration’s stance and its impact on the institution’s neutrality. Similarly, actor Issa Rae, author Louise Penny, and rock band Low Cut Connie have also pulled out of their scheduled appearances, signaling a collective resistance to Trump’s leadership. These actions demonstrate the artistic community’s commitment to standing up against what they perceive as an attack on cultural freedom and bipartisanship.
Performances Continue, But Tensions Remain
While some artists have chosen to cancel their events, others have opted to proceed with their performances, albeit with visible signs of protest. Singer-songwriter Victoria Clark, for example, went ahead with her February 15 show but wore a T-shirt onstage that read “ANTI TRUMP AF.” This act of defiance underscores the tension between artistic expression and political activism. Clark’s decision to perform while expressing her opposition to Trump’s leadership highlights the complexity of the situation. For some artists, the Kennedy Center remains a vital platform for their work, even as they critique its current administration. Their presence serves as a reminder that the center’s mission to celebrate the arts continues, albeit under a cloud of controversy.
The Broader Cultural Fight Against "Woke" Culture
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center is part of a larger campaign against what he and his supporters label as “woke” culture—a term often used to describe progressive values, diversity initiatives, and social justice movements. This campaign has sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in art and culture. For many artists, the Kennedy Center’s shift under Trump represents a threat to the institution’s historic role as a bipartisan space for artistic expression. By canceling their performances, artists like Rhiannon Giddens and Issa Rae are making a statement about the importance of preserving the center’s independence and neutrality. Their actions reflect a broader cultural fight to resist what they see as an attempt to politicize and control artistic institutions.
The Future of the Kennedy Center and Artistic Expression
The ongoing controversy at the Kennedy Center raises important questions about the future of artistic expression in America. As more artists choose to boycott the institution, the center’s reputation as a celebration of cultural excellence may be at risk. However, the decisions of artists like Rhiannon Giddens, Issa Rae, and Victoria Clark also highlight the resilience and activism of the artistic community. By taking a stand against Trump’s leadership, these performers are drawing attention to the importance of protecting cultural institutions from political interference. Whether the Kennedy Center can regain its footing as a bipartisan space for the arts remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the actions of these artists have sparked a necessary conversation about the intersection of politics and culture in America today.
