Washington National Opera to leave Kennedy Center after Trump renaming

Jason Sargent Saturday, January 10, 2026

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Anthony Robledo, USA TODAYJanuary 9, 2026 at 7:49 PM

The Washington National Opera will stop performing at the former John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the first time since 1971, following the venue's controversial name change.

The newly named Trump-Kennedy Center for the Arts confirmed that the "difficult decision" to part ways with the opera is due to a "financially challenging relationship."

"We believe this represents the best path forward for both organizations and enables us to make responsible choices that support the financial stability and long-term future of the Trump Kennedy Center," the center said in a statement shared with USA TODAY on Jan. 9.

Washington National Opera’s board of trustees approved the decision to separate from the center in "amicable early termination of its affiliation agreement," according to the New York Times. The organization will continue operations as a fully independent nonprofit entity.

The American Guild of Musical Artists said it will support its artists at the opera as the board cuts ties with the Kennedy Center.

"AGMA will consider the impact of this decision with care for their stability, working conditions, and artistic livelihoods, and stand with these artists and the company as they navigate this transition," the guild said in a statement.

Mezzo-soprano Emily D'Angelo (C) in the role of Jess during a dress rehearsal for Jeanine Tesori's and George Brant's "Grounded" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on Sept. 19, 2024.

Since the center's renaming, several musicians and creatives have publicly canceled performances or cut ties with the organization in protest.

On Jan. 6, Nashville banjoist Béla Fleck confirmed he would skip a scheduled performance alongside the National Symphony Orchestra as it had "become charged and political," when "the focus should be on the music."

"Wicked" composer Stephen Schwartz also recently fsaid he would no longer host a gala at the historic institution. The musical theater composer and lyricist told Newsday he was invited last February to participate in the Washington National Opera's 2026 gala at the center.

to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

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Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

">Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

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Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.