The Kennedy Center is seeking $1 million in damages from musician Chuck Redd after he canceled his Christmas Eve performance in response to the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the building. Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell criticized Redd's decision in a letter shared with The Associated Press, calling it a "political stunt" that was "very costly to a non-profit Arts institution."

Grenell's letter stated that Redd's last-minute withdrawal, explicitly in response to the renaming honoring Trump's efforts to save the national treasure, was "classic intolerance." Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player, had been a fixture at the Kennedy Center's holiday Jazz Jams since 2006, taking over from bassist William Keter Betts.

In an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Redd explained his decision to pull out of the concert following the renaming. "When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert," Redd stated. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Grenell's demand for damages.

The dispute highlights the intersection of politics and the arts, a sensitive area where cultural institutions often navigate complex relationships with government funding and public perception. The Kennedy Center, a national cultural landmark, has historically enjoyed bipartisan support, but the decision to honor President Trump sparked controversy, reflecting the polarized political climate.

The cancellation of Redd's performance not only disrupted the Kennedy Center's holiday programming but also raised questions about artistic freedom and the responsibilities of performers when faced with decisions that conflict with their personal beliefs. The $1 million damage claim adds another layer of complexity to the situation, potentially setting a precedent for how arts organizations respond to artists who withdraw from performances for political reasons. The Kennedy Center has not yet indicated how it plans to pursue the claim, and the situation remains unresolved.