Kennedy Center boss claims media is fueling artist boycotts | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJosh MarcusWednesday 31 December 2025 00:46 GMTKennedy Center Board Votes to Rename Venue Trump-Kennedy Center, Sparking BacklashKennedy Center president Richard Grenell has alleged, without evidence, that media outlets like CNN and The Washington Post are encouraging artists to boycott the institution.Grenell also claimed The New York Times is celebrating these cancellations, which are in protest of the president's controversial attempt to rename the center.Jazz supergroup The Cookers and the Doug Varone and Dancers troupe are among several artists who have cancelled performances, citing concerns over the proposed Trump-Kennedy Center name.Following drummer Chuck Redd's cancellation of a Christmas Eve concert, the Kennedy Center head reportedly demanded $1 million from him, calling the move a “political stunt.”The dispute arose after Donald Trump installed new board members who named him chairman and then voted to rename the center, a decision some observers consider illegal, leading to reduced ticket sales and viewership.In fullKennedy Center president claims ‘legacy media’ is encouraging artists to boycott performances over Trump name changeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in