Multi-Grammy-winning banjo player Béla Fleck has cancelled his upcoming performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in response to the venue’s recent political shift. This decision follows the addition of former President Donald Trump’s name to the center, a move that has sparked outrage among numerous artists.
Fleck announced his decision on Tuesday, citing that performing at what he now refers to as the “Trump Kennedy Center” has become “charged and political.” He expressed disappointment that an institution dedicated to music has turned into a platform for political debate. As a result, Fleck has opted to withdraw from three scheduled performances with the National Symphony Orchestra next month but remains hopeful for future collaboration under less contentious circumstances.
The interim president of the Kennedy Center, Richard Grenell, who is known for his support of Trump, reacted angrily to Fleck’s decision. On social media platform X, Grenell accused Fleck of capitulating to a “woke mob” that only supports left-leaning artists. He asserted that the Kennedy Center aims to welcome all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations.
Wave of Artist Withdrawals
Fleck’s cancellation is not an isolated incident. A growing number of artists have chosen to boycott the Kennedy Center following Trump’s controversial changes to its board. In February 2025, Trump appointed a new board comprised of his supporters and declared himself chairman, a move intended to eliminate what he termed “woke” programming.
The backlash escalated significantly after Trump’s name was added to the exterior of the building, which serves as a “living memorial” to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. Jazz drummer Chuck Redd withdrew from a Christmas Eve performance he has held for nearly two decades, providing minimal notice. Since then, other acts, including New York City-based groups like the Asian AF comedy troupe, jazz musician Wayne Tucker and his band The Bad Mothas, and dance company Doug Varone and Dancers, have also opted out of events.
Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, known for his work on productions like “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin,” has publicly stated that he would “not set foot” in the Kennedy Center, asserting that it no longer embodies the apolitical space for artistic expression that it was originally intended to be.
As the wave of cancellations continues, the Kennedy Center faces increasing scrutiny regarding its future and the impact of political affiliations on the arts. The unfolding situation highlights the tension between art and politics, raising questions about the role of cultural institutions in an increasingly polarized environment.
