Artists have canceled performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., following the naming of former President Donald Trump as chairman of the board in February 2025. The cancellations began in March 2025 as a direct response to Trump's appointment and subsequent changes to the Kennedy Center's board and programming.

One of the first productions to withdraw was the touring musical "Hamilton." Producer Jeffrey Seller announced the cancellation via a statement on X, citing opposition to the Trump administration's removal of Democratic board members and alterations to the center's artistic direction. "The recent purge by the Trump Administration of both professional staff and performing arts events at or originally produced by the Kennedy Center flies in the face of everything this national center represents," Seller wrote.

Actress and writer Issa Rae also canceled her sold-out March performance, announcing her decision on Instagram. Rae did not provide specific reasons, but her action was widely interpreted as a show of solidarity with other artists protesting the Trump administration's influence over the Kennedy Center.

The backlash began shortly after Trump's appointment, with some ticket buyers expressing their discontent and certain board members, including Shonda Rhimes, voicing their concerns. The Kennedy Center, a national performing arts center, has historically aimed to represent a broad range of artistic voices and perspectives. Critics of Trump's appointment argued that his involvement threatened the center's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Kennedy Center has not yet released an official statement regarding the cancellations. The future impact of these cancellations on the center's programming and reputation remains to be seen.