More Shows Should Exit the Kennedy Center Under Trump’s Control
Photo: Joan Marcus
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
The recent decision by the producers of "Hamilton" to cancel their 2026 engagement at the Kennedy Center has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of politics and the arts. This move comes in response to President Donald Trump's unprecedented takeover of the institution, leading many to question the future of artistic freedom and expression at one of the nation's premier cultural venues.
“Our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center,” producer Jeffrey Seller said in a statement Wednesday.
The decision by "Hamilton" to withdraw from its scheduled run is particularly significant. Seller emphasized that the musical's core themes of democracy and freedom are at odds with the current political influence spreading through the institution. He expressed concerns about the firing of key staff and the cancellation of important programming, deeming it a betrayal of the Kennedy Center’s mission as a national cultural center.
Given the Kennedy Center’s current trajectory under its new leadership, there is a compelling argument for more shows and artists to reconsider their affiliations with the institution. By doing so, they can take a stand against the politicization of the arts and advocate for the preservation of creative freedom.
The new leadership has signaled a shift in the center's programming, aiming to stop what they describe as "woke" shows and specifically targeting LGBTQ+ performances. This ideological change threatens the inclusivity and diversity that have been the hallmarks of the Kennedy Center's offerings. The cancellation of the children's musical "Finn," which explores themes of identity and acceptance, is a powerful example of this new direction.
The arts have always been a powerful force for change, challenging injustice and championing freedom of expression. If the Kennedy Center, once a beacon of artistic excellence, is now being reshaped by political influence that stifles creativity and inclusivity, then it is up to the artistic community to take a stand. By canceling their performances, artists and producers send a clear message that the arts should remain independent, bold, and uncompromised.
The decision by Hamilton to withdraw is just the beginning—more productions should follow suit to protect the integrity of our cultural institutions. Only through collective action can the artistic community ensure that the Kennedy Center remains a home for all voices, not just those that align with a political agenda.