Acclaimed actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae has canceled her scheduled performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing concerns over the institution’s leadership shift following Donald Trump’s self-appointment as chairman.
Rae’s decision comes amid a wave of artist withdrawals and resignations from the Kennedy Center’s board after Trump dismissed previous members and replaced them with his own appointees.
The move has sparked outrage within the entertainment industry, with several high-profile artists distancing themselves from the venue.
Why Did Issa Rae Cancel Her Kennedy Center Show?
Issa Rae’s event, “An Evening with Issa Rae,” was set to take place on March 16, 2025. However, she announced the cancellation via her Instagram Stories on February 13, 2025, explaining her stance on the leadership changes at the Kennedy Center.
Issa Rae’s statement read:
“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue.”
Ticket holders will receive refunds, Rae confirmed in her message, while also thanking fans for their support.
Trump’s Takeover: What Changed at the Kennedy Center?
The controversy stems from Trump’s appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center board, a move that saw him replace existing members with his own supporters.
Key changes under Trump’s leadership:
- Dismissal of board members appointed by former President Biden.
- Firing of longtime Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter.
- Appointment of Richard Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador, as interim president.
- Push for “anti-woke” programming, removing certain shows from the lineup.
Mass Resignations & Artist Withdrawals Following Trump’s Takeover
Issa Rae is not the only high-profile name stepping away from the Kennedy Center. Several other artists and board members have resigned or pulled out of upcoming events in response to Trump’s leadership.
Notable resignations and cancellations:
- Shonda Rhimes, producer of Bridgerton and Grey’s Anatomy, resigned from the Kennedy Center board.
- Renée Fleming, the celebrated soprano, stepped down as artistic advisor.
- Ben Folds, singer-songwriter, resigned as an artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra.
- The children’s musical “Finn” was abruptly canceled.
Shonda Rhimes’ resignation statement referenced President John F. Kennedy’s famous words:
“This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.”
Trump’s Response to the Criticism
Trump has dismissed concerns over his takeover of the Kennedy Center, claiming his leadership will eliminate “woke culture” from the arts.
In a leaked audio recording from a board meeting, Trump stated:
“Some of these shows were terrible. They were a disaster! No one liked them, but they kept putting them on anyway.”
However, Trump later admitted he had not attended any of the performances in question.
Public & Industry Reactions
Rae’s cancellation and the broader fallout from Trump’s leadership changes have sparked heated debate among artists, political commentators, and the general public.
Supporters of Issa Rae’s decision argue:
- The arts should remain politically neutral and free from ideological interference.
- Trump’s past actions and rhetoric are at odds with the Kennedy Center’s inclusive mission.
- Artists should not be forced to perform under leadership they do not support.
Critics of the backlash argue:
- Trump was elected, and as president, he has the right to appoint board members.
The Kennedy Center should welcome diverse political viewpoints. - Artists withdrawing over political disagreements sets a concerning precedent.
What’s Next for the Kennedy Center?
With more artists distancing themselves from the venue, the Kennedy Center faces an uncertain future.
- More artists could follow Issa Rae’s lead in canceling events.
- Sponsorships and funding could be impacted if public backlash grows.
- The institution may undergo further leadership shifts depending on political dynamics.
For now, Issa Rae’s cancellation is a clear signal that Trump’s leadership is reshaping the Kennedy Center—and not everyone is on board.
Final Thoughts
Issa Rae’s withdrawal from the Kennedy Center is just one example of the larger cultural divide playing out in the arts under Trump’s leadership.
- Her decision has been met with both praise and criticism.
- The Kennedy Center continues to lose major artists and board members.
- The future of the institution remains uncertain as political influence grows.
As more artists speak out or take action, the world will be watching to see how the Kennedy Center evolves under Trump’s leadership—or whether it faces even greater upheaval.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin