Kennedy Center Axes Christmas Eve Gala Over Trump’s New Name
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center was officially canceled.
The event, normally hosted by guitarist and drummer Chuck Redd, would have taken place on Dec. 24 at the Washington, D.C., performing‑arts venue.
The cancellation followed the White House’s announcement that the center’s name had been amended to include “The Donald J. Trump,” in addition to “The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The change was approved by Trump’s board and was posted on the building’s façade last week.
Redd, who has directed the Kennedy Center’s holiday “Jazz Jams” since 2006, stated that the addition of the former president’s name prompted him to call off the program. The center’s official website now lists the concert as cancelled.
Congressional law specifically bars the board from adding another name to the memorial, and some officials say congressional approval is required for such changes. Kennedy’s niece, Kerry Kennedy, has publicly vowed to remove Trump’s name once his presidency ends, and former House historian Ray Smock notes that any modification would need congressional consent.