Thu Mar 06 03:20:00 UTC 2025: **”Hamilton” Pulls Out of Kennedy Center Run Amidst Trump Takeover Controversy**

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Hamilton” has cancelled its planned spring 2026 run at the Kennedy Center, citing the center’s alleged politicization under the chairmanship of President Donald Trump. Producers, including Jeff Seller and Lin-Manuel Miranda, announced the decision Wednesday, citing Trump’s February 7th self-appointment as chairman following the dismissal of former President Deborah Rutter.

The producers argue that Trump’s actions have fundamentally altered the Kennedy Center’s nonpartisan nature, a characteristic they say has been eroded since his takeover. This decision follows a string of cancellations by other artists, including Issa Rae, Low Cut Connie, and Rhiannon Giddens, as well as the resignations of several board members, including Shonda Rhimes and Renée Fleming.

“Hamilton was proudly performed at the Kennedy Center in 2018,” Seller stated. “We are not acting against his administration, but against the partisan policies of the Kennedy Center as a result of his recent takeover.” Miranda echoed this sentiment, stating that the Kennedy Center under Trump’s leadership is no longer the institution they knew, and they refuse to participate in what they call the “Trump Kennedy Center.”

Seller explained that the cancellation is also intended to protect the show’s hundreds of employees from potential repercussions from the new Kennedy Center leadership, fearing censorship of content deemed “woke” by Trump’s administration. The producers emphasized the Kennedy Center’s historical commitment to artistic freedom and inclusivity, a commitment they believe has been jeopardized. The decision highlights the growing concerns over the politicization of arts institutions and the impact on artistic expression.

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