The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has canceled its long-standing Christmas Eve jazz concert, traditionally hosted by musician Chuck Redd for over two decades. The cancellation comes in response to the announcement that the venue's name will now include 'The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.' This change was approved by a board appointed by President Trump, which has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and scholars who argue that it contravenes legislation that designates the Kennedy Center as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The law explicitly prohibits the addition of any further memorials without congressional approval.

Redd expressed his discontent with the name change in an email, stating that he decided to cancel the concert upon seeing the new name on the Kennedy Center's website. The center has not publicly commented on the cancellation, but its website confirms that the concert will not take place. Kerry Kennedy, a niece of John F. Kennedy, has indicated her intention to seek the removal of Trump's name once he leaves office. Additionally, former House historian Ray Smock has noted that any changes to the center's designation would require congressional approval.

During his presidency, Trump has taken a more active role in the Kennedy Center, making significant changes to its leadership and board structure, and personally hosting the Kennedy Center Honors, which marks a departure from the traditional role of presidents as spectators. This involvement has been perceived as part of a broader agenda to challenge what he terms 'woke' culture within federal cultural institutions. Since Trump's return to office, several artists, including Issa Rae and Lin-Manuel Miranda, have canceled performances at the Kennedy Center, reflecting ongoing tensions between the administration and the artistic community.