USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Washington National Opera to leave Kennedy Center after Trump renaming Anthony Robledo, USA TODAYJanuary 10, 2026 at 2:49 AM 0 The Washington National Opera will stop performing at the former John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the first time since 1971, following the venue's controversial name change. The newly named TrumpKennedy Center for the Arts confirmed that the "difficult decision" to part ways with the opera is due to a "financially challenging relationship.
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Washington National Opera to leave Kennedy Center after Trump renaming
Anthony Robledo, USA TODAYJanuary 10, 2026 at 2:49 AM
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The Washington National Opera will stop performing at the former John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the first time since 1971, following the venue's controversial name change.
The newly named Trump-Kennedy Center for the Arts confirmed that the "difficult decision" to part ways with the opera is due to a "financially challenging relationship."
"We believe this represents the best path forward for both organizations and enables us to make responsible choices that support the financial stability and long-term future of the Trump Kennedy Center," the center said in a statement shared with USA TODAY on Jan. 9.
Washington National Opera's board of trustees approved the decision to separate from the center in "amicable early termination of its affiliation agreement," according to the New York Times. The organization will continue operations as a fully independent nonprofit entity.
The American Guild of Musical Artists said it will support its artists at the opera as the board cuts ties with the Kennedy Center.
"AGMA will consider the impact of this decision with care for their stability, working conditions, and artistic livelihoods, and stand with these artists and the company as they navigate this transition," the guild said in a statement.
Mezzo-soprano Emily D'Angelo (C) in the role of Jess during a dress rehearsal for Jeanine Tesori's and George Brant's "Grounded" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on Sept. 19, 2024.
Since the center's renaming, several musicians and creatives have publicly canceled performances or cut ties with the organization in protest.
On Jan. 6, Nashville banjoist Béla Fleck confirmed he would skip a scheduled performance alongside the National Symphony Orchestra as it had "become charged and political," when "the focus should be on the music."
"Wicked" composer Stephen Schwartz also recently fsaid he would no longer host a gala at the historic institution. The musical theater composer and lyricist told Newsday he was invited last February to participate in the Washington National Opera's 2026 gala at the center.
to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
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Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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1 / 8John F. Kennedy Memorial Center adds Trump to name. See the change
Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
The Trump-Kennedy Center threatens legal action against Chuck Redd over cancellation
Following backlash to its name change, the Trump-Kennedy Center threatened legal action against vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd after he canceled a Christmas Eve performance in protest.
In a Dec. 26 letter addressed to Redd and obtained by USA TODAY, Grenell threatened to "seek $1 million in damages" from Redd for what he called a "political stunt" that "has cost us considerably."
The jazz musician told The and CNN on Dec. 24 that he'd canceled his appearance in the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam "when I saw the name change."
"Your decision to withdraw at the last moment − explicitly in response to the Center's recent renaming, which honors President Trump's extraordinary efforts to save this national treasure − is classic intolerance and very costly to a non-profit Arts institution," Grenell's letter read.
In a Dec. 29 statement to USA TODAY, Daravi doubled down on its criticism of Redd: "Any artist cancelling their show at the Trump-Kennedy Center over political differences isn't courageous or principled − they are selfish, intolerant."
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington National Opera to leave former Kennedy Center after 55 years
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Published: January 10, 2026 at 06:45AM on Source: ANDY MAG
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