The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has faced significant backlash following its renaming to include President Donald Trump's name. This decision, made by the center's board of trustees, has prompted several artists to withdraw from scheduled performances, citing discomfort with the new designation.

The Cookers, a Grammy-nominated jazz ensemble, announced their cancellation of a New Year’s Eve performance, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression in jazz. Drummer Billy Hart indicated that the name change was a significant factor in their decision, expressing concerns about potential backlash. Similarly, Doug Varone and Dancers, a New York-based dance company, canceled two performances planned for April, marking their 40th anniversary, and acknowledged the financial impact of an estimated $40,000 loss, describing the choice as "morally exhilarating."

Folk singer-songwriter Kristy Lee also withdrew from a January performance, criticizing the renaming as undermining the historical integrity of the institution. In response to these cancellations, Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center's president and a Trump appointee, dismissed the artists' actions as politically motivated, framing them as a reaction to what he termed 'derangement syndrome.' He suggested that the previous leadership prioritized political activism over artistic merit and indicated plans to seek financial compensation for the losses incurred.

The name change, which officially designates the center as 'The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,' has raised legal questions regarding the authority of the board to alter the name of an institution established by Congress as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio and an ex-officio trustee, has filed a lawsuit challenging the name change, alleging that her objections were silenced during the board meeting.

The Kennedy family has also expressed strong opposition to the renaming, with Joe Kennedy III stating that the center is a living memorial that should not be altered. This situation reflects broader concerns about the intersection of political influence and cultural institutions, particularly regarding artistic freedom and historical preservation. Additionally, satirical responses to the renaming have emerged, including domain names purchased to critique the decision, highlighting ongoing public discontent with the changes at the Kennedy Center.