Award-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens has joined a growing list of artists canceling appearances at the Kennedy Center following former President Donald Trump’s controversial takeover of the institution.
Giddens announced on social media that she has moved her May 11, 2025, performance to The Anthem, a separate venue in Washington, D.C. She explained that the Kennedy Center booking was made before Trump’s administration took control of the historically bipartisan institution.
Known for co-founding the Carolina Chocolate Drops and winning a Grammy for They’re Calling Me Home, Giddens has also co-written the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar and received a MacArthur “Genius” grant.
Other artists, including actor Issa Rae, author Louise Penny, and rock band Low Cut Connie, have also withdrawn from Kennedy Center events in protest. Meanwhile, singer Victoria Clark proceeded with her February 15 performance but wore a T-shirt reading “ANTI TRUMP AF” on stage.
The Kennedy Center, a major cultural institution funded by both government and private donations, has long been a prestigious venue for artists of all political backgrounds. However, Trump’s leadership has sparked backlash, marking a stark shift from past administrations, where presidents attended events despite political differences with performers.
