The Trump-Kennedy Center has initiated a legal threat against jazz musician Chuck Redd after he canceled a planned performance on Christmas Eve. Redd’s cancellation was a protest against the center’s recent renaming in honor of former President Donald Trump.
In a letter dated December 26, 2025, Trump-Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell claimed that the institution seeks $1 million in damages from Redd, alleging that his actions constitute a “political stunt” that has negatively impacted the center financially.
Cancellation and its Repercussions
Chuck Redd, a distinguished vibraphonist and drummer, announced his decision to cancel the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam concert upon learning about the name change at the Kennedy Center. This event has been a longstanding feature at the center for nearly 20 years under Redd’s leadership. Notably, Redd expressed his feelings about the renaming to both the Associated Press and CNN, stating that it played a significant role in his decision to withdraw.
Grenell’s letter criticized Redd for making the last-minute cancellation, framing it as an act of intolerance against the institution for honoring President Trump’s contributions. He described the withdrawal as costly to a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to cultural excellence. Grenell’s correspondence indicated that attendance for the Jazz Jam had been declining compared to other holiday events hosted by the center.
Response to Alleged Intimidation
In the same letter, Grenell accused Redd of giving in to what he termed “bullying tactics” from some factions on the political left. According to Grenell, these groups have pressured artists to boycott performances at the Kennedy Center, which aims to serve a broad audience regardless of political affiliation. He stated that true artists should perform for all people, regardless of their views.
Following the public backlash against the name change, Grenell took to social media on December 26 to share reporting from the New York Post regarding the Kennedy Center’s response. In his post, he expressed support for the arts, stating, “The left is boycotting the Arts because Trump is supporting the Arts. But we will not let them cancel shows without consequences. The Arts are for everyone – and the Left is mad about it.” USA TODAY has reached out to both Redd and the Kennedy Center for their comments on the situation.
Chuck Redd’s Musical Background
Chuck Redd is a Maryland-based musician whose career began in the late 1970s. He gained prominence by working with the renowned bossa nova guitarist Charlie Byrd, with whom he collaborated for 19 years. Redd has also held a faculty position at the University of Maryland and performed at notable events, including a 1981 state dinner for President Jimmy Carter, featuring noted guitarist Barney Kessel.
Throughout his over four-decade-long career, Redd has shared the stage with a variety of distinguished musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, and Mel Tormé. In 2019, Redd released his latest album, titled “Groove City.”
Controversial Renaming of the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center’s decision to rename itself the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts has sparked significant controversy, leading to legal action. U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) filed a lawsuit on December 22 regarding this name change.
Earlier in December, Trump became the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, where he praised various honorees and made headlines for his comments directed at some of the guests. Following the renaming announcement, the center has experienced heightened media scrutiny and public debate surrounding the implications of such actions.
As the situation unfolds, both the Kennedy Center and Redd’s future endeavors remain in focus, illustrating the ongoing intersection of politics and the arts in America.
