A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., was abruptly cancelled on December 24, 2025. The sudden cancellation came after the name of former U.S. President Donald Trump was added to the building, an action that prompted immediate and significant backlash.
The Decision to Cancel
Organizers made the call to cancel the holiday event following the controversial addition of Trump's name to the performing arts center. The Kennedy Center, named in honour of the 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy, is a national cultural institution. The inclusion of another, politically divisive figure's name on the building was deemed incompatible with the spirit of the scheduled performance and the centre's legacy.
The concert was set to take place on the evening of December 24th. The cancellation was announced at 4:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, leaving ticket-holders and performers with little notice on the holiday itself. The centre has not yet announced if the event will be rescheduled or if refunds will be issued.
A Venue Steeped in History
The Kennedy Center is more than just a performance hall; it is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. A prominent feature within the grand foyer is a bronze memorial bust of JFK, created by sculptor Robert Berks. This bust is often accompanied by memorial wreaths, particularly on significant anniversaries, as seen in a notable photograph from November 22, 2013—the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's death.
The institution's deep association with President Kennedy made the addition of another political name, particularly one as polarizing as Donald Trump, highly contentious. The move was seen by many as a politicization of a non-partisan cultural landmark.
Reactions and Wider Context
While the Kennedy Center has not released an extensive official statement detailing every factor behind the decision, the link between the naming event and the cancellation is clear. The incident highlights the ongoing and intense political divisions within the United States, which can spill over into cultural and artistic spheres.
The cancellation of a Christmas Eve event, traditionally a time for community and celebration, underscores the depth of feeling surrounding the issue. It raises questions about how public institutions navigate political symbolism and maintain their intended missions during periods of national discord.
This news broke amidst a wide array of other holiday-season stories across North America, from last-minute shopping trends and travel advisories to various local crime and safety reports. However, the cancellation at a flagship national arts centre captured significant attention for its symbolic weight.
