The acclaimed musical Hamilton has canceled its scheduled 2026 performances at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center following a controversial overhaul of the institution’s leadership by President Donald Trump. This decision underscores the escalating tensions between the arts community and the current administration.
In early 2025, President Trump dismissed 18 members of the Kennedy Center’s board, appointing allies in their place and naming himself chairman. This unprecedented move has been perceived by many as an attempt to politicize a historically nonpartisan cultural institution. In response, several prominent artists and board members have severed ties with the center:
Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, resigned from her position as treasurer.
Ben Folds, renowned singer-songwriter, stepped down as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra.
Renée Fleming, celebrated opera singer, withdrew from her advisory role.
Additionally, performances such as the children’s musical Finn and a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., were canceled, further highlighting the growing rift between the arts community and the center’s new administration.
Hamilton, known for its diverse casting and portrayal of American founding fathers through hip-hop and R&B, has a history of political engagement. The decision to cancel its Kennedy Center run aligns with the creators’ commitment to artistic integrity and opposition to perceived authoritarianism. Producer Jeffrey Seller emphasized that participating under the current leadership would compromise the show’s values.
The situation at the Kennedy Center reflects a broader debate about the role of politics in cultural institutions. As artists and organizations grapple with these challenges, the future of such collaborations remains uncertain.
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