Fri Mar 07 02:10:00 UTC 2025: **Hamilton Pulls Out of Kennedy Center Performances Citing Trump’s Influence**
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” has canceled its planned 2026 run at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing concerns over President Donald Trump’s recent shake-up of the Center’s leadership. Producer Jeffrey Seller stated that the production “cannot, in good conscience, participate” in what he described as a new, partisan culture imposed on the institution.
The decision follows Trump’s controversial takeover of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, which has resulted in the dismissal of several key figures. This action is seen as part of Trump’s broader campaign against what he terms “woke” culture.
“Hamilton,” which previously performed at the Kennedy Center in 2018 and 2022, was scheduled for a March 3 – April 26, 2026 engagement. Tickets had not yet gone on sale. Seller clarified that the show’s action is not against the Trump administration itself, but rather a protest against the Kennedy Center’s altered political climate under Trump’s influence.
Other artists, including Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Louise Penny, and Low Cut Connie, have also canceled appearances at the Kennedy Center in response to the leadership changes. Singer Victoria Clark, however, performed as scheduled on February 15th, wearing a “ANTI TRUMP AF” T-shirt during her performance.
This is not the first time “Hamilton” has taken a public political stance. In 2016, the cast addressed then Vice President-elect Mike Pence directly from the stage, urging the incoming administration to uphold American values.
First Piper 