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Kennedy Center Seeks $1 Million After Musician Cancels Over Trump Name Addition

On Friday, Richard Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center, criticized Chuck Redd, drummer and vibraphonist, after Redd canceled a Christmas Eve performance following the venue's renaming and said he would seek $1,000,000 in damages.
Workers added new exterior lettering on Dec. 19, 2025, unveiling The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts after the White House said a Trump‑picked board approved the renaming.
A drummer and vibraphone player, Redd has presided over the Kennedy Center's Jazz Jams holiday series since 2006, succeeding William 'Keter' Betts, and said Wednesday it often featured at least one student musician.
The law explicitly prohibits the board from adding another person’s name to the exterior, while Kerry Kennedy vowed to remove Trump’s name and Ray Smock said Congress must approve any changes.
Demonstrators gathered on Dec. 20, 2025, after a Trump-appointed board renamed the center; Richard Grenell, a Trump ally, leads after prior leadership was ousted, while the White House said the renaming honors Trump's role in 'saving this national treasure'.

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BBC News

Center

Kennedy Center seeks $1m from musician who cancelled after Trump name added to venue

Drummer Chuck Redd reportedly called off his Christmas Eve performance after a vote by the board to rename the site.

3 hours ago·United Kingdom

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The Daily Progress

+6 Reposted by 6 other sources

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Kennedy Center criticizes musician who canceled concert after Trump name added to building

President Richard Grenell told musician Chuck Redd that he would seek $1 million in damages "for this political stunt."

3 hours ago

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NME

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Kennedy Center seeks $1million from musician who cancelled Christmas Eve show after Donald Trump’s name added to building

The president of the Kennedy Center is seeking $1million from a musician who cancelled a Christmas Eve show after Donald Trump’s name was added to the building.

3 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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