San Francisco Ballet Drops Trump-Kennedy Center Shows

0:00On March 1st, the San Francisco Ballet has pulled out of its spring performances at the Trump Kennedy Center. The shows were set for May 27th through 31st and would have featured a production on humans and artificial intelligence. This marks the latest arts group to back away from the venue after its board-added President Donald Trump's name last month. Several other performers have followed suit in recent weeks. The Washington National Opera ended its long stay there, pointing to shifts in the center's operations. Musicians like Banjoist Bella Fleck cancelled concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra, while composers Steven Schwartz skipped the Gala event. These moves come amid growing tension over the name change, with more artists rethinking their plans. Jazz drummer Chuck Red dropped his Christmas Eve show, and a jazz group called off New Year's Eve gigs. Officials say the decisions stem directly from the board's vote. Now the center faces a major overhaul, with a planned closure around July 4th, 2026, for about two years of renovations.

1:01The project aims to rebuild the aging venue into a top tier spot for arts and entertainment. Leaders at the Trump Kennedy Center insist the pullouts play no role in the timing, framing the work as a long needed fix to financial and structural issues. As renovations kick off, it remains to be seen how this will reshape performances in Washington.