An Alabama folk singer has made a powerful stand by canceling an upcoming performance at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center, following a controversial decision by a Trump-appointed board to rename the iconic venue.
A Stand for Artistic Integrity
Kristy Lee, a folk singer scheduled to play the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage next month, announced her withdrawal in a social media post on Monday. She framed her decision as a matter of personal principle, stating that performing under the newly imposed name would compromise her values.
"I won’t lie to you, canceling shows hurts. This is how I keep the lights on. But losing my integrity would cost me more than any paycheck," Lee wrote. She expressed deep concern over the politicization of the institution, adding, "When American history starts getting treated like something you can ban, erase, rename, or rebrand for somebody else’s ego, I can’t stand on that stage and sleep right at night."
Lee emphasized that while she may not have the influence of "big dogs," her songs represent her truth, and that is something "nobody can take from me."
The Controversial Renaming and Its Fallout
The singer's protest is a direct response to a move made last week by the Kennedy Center's board of trustees, which includes appointees of former President Donald Trump. The board voted to change the institution's name to "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts."
This decision has triggered immediate backlash:
- The new name has already been applied to the building's facade and its official website.
- It reportedly appeared on the December 10 broadcast of "The Kennedy Center Honors" on CBS, despite the ceremony being taped earlier in the month.
- Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio, has filed a lawsuit against the board. Her legal challenge argues that such a significant renaming requires Congressional approval.
- Several other artists booked to perform have also voiced serious concerns about the change.
In a statement on her website, Lee argued that the center must remain free from political influence and self-promotion. "Performing under these circumstances would conflict with the values of artistic freedom, public trust, and constitutional principles that the Kennedy Center was created to uphold," she wrote. "...Using it for personal promotion diminishes its meaning and erodes the dignity owed to the legacy of a fallen president."
Broader Context and Declining Attendance
This renaming is seen as the latest in a series of MAGA-friendly actions at the center, which has reportedly struggled with plummeting ticket sales since Trump's presidency. During the opening monologue of the recent honors ceremony, Trump declared, "We’re bringing this building back to life like nobody ever thought was even possible."
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between art, politics, and public institutions. Kristy Lee's decision underscores how individual artists are navigating these pressures, choosing to prioritize their ethical convictions over career opportunities, even at significant personal financial cost.
