The Growing List of Kennedy Center Events Cancelled Amid Trump's Takeover

Since President Donald Trump took over Washington, D.C.‘s Kennedy Center — installing himself as chairman, firing the president to replace with a longtime loyalist, and changing the name to the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts — the venue has faced a slew of cancellations.

Nearly 20 acts have cancelled performances at the venue, however, Kennedy Center president Ric Grenell recently downplayed the cancellations in an interview with News Nation. He told the publication that the acts who have cancelled shows were “niche talent” who “could not get a supply and demand audience,” subtly calling-out banjoist Bela Fleck.

“A lot of these people were getting paid on State Department contracts in the past or government funds to go perform, because they could not get a supply and demand audience. They couldn’t participate in capitalism,” Grenell said. “Maybe they have a niche talent that is interesting, they play an interesting type of banjo.”

Grenell said he plans to target “common sense programming from the left, right, and center,” particularly “people on the right with families.”

The Kennedy Center has faced criticism and political scrutiny since Trump’s appointment. The President previously said that he plans to eliminate drag shows and “woke” art at the venue, though admitted he has never actually seen a show at the institution.

Artists Who Have Cancelled Shows at The Kennedy Center Amid Trump’s Takeover:

Hamilton — the touring production of the Broadway musical called-off its performances at the venue from March 3 to April 26.

Philip Glass — the composer withdrew his premiere of his new symphony at the venue.

Chuck Redd — pulled the plug on his annual “Jazz Jams” Christmas Concert in December.

The Cookers — the jazz supergroup cancelled a pair of New Year’s Eve concerts.

Kristy Lee — the country singer cancelled a show set for January 14.

Sonia De Los Santos — the children’s performed nixed a pair of shows in February.

Low Cut Connie — the Philadelphia rock group cancelled their show in February.

Bela Fleck — the 17-time Grammy Award-winning banjoist withdrew their performance with the National Symphony Orchestra in February.

Balun — the electronic indie-band cancelled their show that was set for February.

Issa Rae — the star of “Insecure” has cancelled a sold-out gig of “An Evening With Issa Rae” in March.

Washington National Opera — After 55 years, the Washington National Opera announced it would cut ties with the venue and terminate its affiliation agreement.

Peter Wolf — the artist was set to hold a book launch event in March, but has since cancelled.

Doug Varone and Dancers — the dance troupe will no longer take the stage in April.

Martha Graham Dance Company — America’s oldest dance troupe cancelled their scheduled show in April.

Amanda Rheaume — the Canadian artist called-off a gig in April.

Stephen Schwartz — the “Wicked” composer withdrew as the host for the Washington National Opera gala in May. While the venue denied he was booked for the gig, tickets were listed with his name on the venue website.

Renee Fleming — the sopranist cancelled her concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra in May.