Kennedy Center struggles under Trump's management, facing cancellations

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is facing challenges since Donald Trump took over its leadership. There have been several cancellations and missed deadlines, causing artists to seek performance spaces at other venues in Washington D.C. Culture critic Rebecca Ritzel discussed the situation in a recent MSNBC column. She noted that Trump has suggested staging classic plays like "Cats," "Camelot," and "Fiddler on the Roof," but there are no current touring companies available to perform them. Traditionally, the Kennedy Center announces its schedule by mid-March, but this has not happened yet. Ritzel reported that the Kennedy Center has experienced a "tumultuous free fall," with many groups now looking elsewhere to perform. Notably, producers of the hit musical “Hamilton” have canceled a planned two-month run at the center, which could have earned significant revenue. The Kennedy Center usually draws a diverse audience, from federal workers to art-loving lobbyists. However, many of these potential attendees are considering boycotting performances due to layoffs or dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership. This shift could further impact the center's viability as a cultural venue.