Renée Fleming's Kennedy Center Cancellation Signals Growing Boycott Against Trump-Linked Institution
In a move that echoes the growing trend of musicians and artists distancing themselves from the John F. Kennedy Center, Grammy-winning soprano Renée Fleming has canceled her upcoming performances at the institution.
Fleming's decision comes as no surprise, considering she already resigned as Artistic Advisor-at-Large last year following President Donald Trump's takeover of the center. Her nine-year tenure ended in 2025, and many have speculated about her departure ever since.
As part of a broader exodus from the Kennedy Center, Fleming joins a growing list of notable performers who have canceled their appearances at the institution, including singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens, jazz band the Cookers, and folk singer Kristy Lee. Others, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, had also been scheduled to perform at the center but ultimately pulled out due to reported issues with Trump's leadership.
The cancelations are largely attributed to the institution's recent name change, which was approved by Trump's hand-selected board in December 2025. The new name, Trump Kennedy Center, has sparked widespread criticism and protest among many who feel that the change undermines the center's original mission and purpose.
Additionally, the Washington National Opera announced its departure from the center earlier this month after 55 years of collaboration, citing a need to distance themselves from the institution's "current trajectory."
Fleming's canceled performances are set to take place in May, but it remains unclear whether a new soloist or repertoire will be announced for those dates. The Kennedy Center has yet to comment on Fleming's decision, but her actions serve as a reminder of the growing divide between the arts community and Trump-linked institutions.
In a move that echoes the growing trend of musicians and artists distancing themselves from the John F. Kennedy Center, Grammy-winning soprano Renée Fleming has canceled her upcoming performances at the institution.
Fleming's decision comes as no surprise, considering she already resigned as Artistic Advisor-at-Large last year following President Donald Trump's takeover of the center. Her nine-year tenure ended in 2025, and many have speculated about her departure ever since.
As part of a broader exodus from the Kennedy Center, Fleming joins a growing list of notable performers who have canceled their appearances at the institution, including singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens, jazz band the Cookers, and folk singer Kristy Lee. Others, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, had also been scheduled to perform at the center but ultimately pulled out due to reported issues with Trump's leadership.
The cancelations are largely attributed to the institution's recent name change, which was approved by Trump's hand-selected board in December 2025. The new name, Trump Kennedy Center, has sparked widespread criticism and protest among many who feel that the change undermines the center's original mission and purpose.
Additionally, the Washington National Opera announced its departure from the center earlier this month after 55 years of collaboration, citing a need to distance themselves from the institution's "current trajectory."
Fleming's canceled performances are set to take place in May, but it remains unclear whether a new soloist or repertoire will be announced for those dates. The Kennedy Center has yet to comment on Fleming's decision, but her actions serve as a reminder of the growing divide between the arts community and Trump-linked institutions.
. I mean, you can't blame her really, given all the drama surrounding the name change to Trump Kennedy Center 
. It's just so unprofessional and divisive. I've been following this story for a while now, and it's like, how can anyone still support the center after everything that's happened? The fact that Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rhiannon Giddens also pulled out is just icing on the cake 
. It's clear that there's a growing divide between artists who care about the arts and those who are more... let's say, "Trump-friendly" 
. I'm not sure what's going to happen with the new soloist or repertoire, but I hope it's something that truly reflects the values of the Kennedy Center 
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I totally get why Renée Fleming would cancel her gigs at the Kennedy Center, especially now that it's got this new name 
Trump Kennedy Center... just doesn't feel right, you know? Like, isn't the whole point of an arts institution to celebrate creativity and freedom, not politics? 
I think a lot more artists are going to follow her lead and distance themselves from places that don't align with their values. It's all about supporting each other and taking a stand 
. Like, have you seen what's been going down there since Trump took over? The whole name change thing is just a major red flag 
. It feels like they're trying to erase some pretty important history and values. I'm not saying it's a huge deal for Renée specifically, but it's definitely part of the bigger picture 
. All these other artists pulling out too... it's like there's a collective "nope" going on 
. The Washington National Opera just did what I thought they'd do - distance themselves from the chaos 
. It'll be interesting to see if any new talent shows up to fill Renée's shoes, but I'm guessing they'll have to navigate some pretty treacherous waters 
! Renée Fleming's cancellation is like, "Girl, bye!" 
. And can we talk about how the Kennedy Center just decided to flip-flop on its mission like that? It's like they're trying to make a career change from "preserving arts" to "catering to Trump's ego". Anyway, I'm all for artists standing up for themselves (and their values), so let Renée do her thing! 
I've been saying it for ages, when Trump took over that institution was a major red flag 
. Now, with the name change to Trump Kennedy Center, it's like, no wonder everyone's distancing themselves! 
. One thing's for sure, this move is a big deal and shows the growing divide between Trump supporters and those who just want art for all 
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. What's next? Are they gonna cancel all the events because of Trump? 
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my heart goes out to all the artists who are speaking out against this toxic environment. we need more people like renee fleming in our lives!
. But seriously, I feel bad for the artists who are being forced out because of politics 
I remember when Obama was president and it seemed like things were going smoothly... fast forward to now and it's all about the controversy. Anyway, I feel bad for Renée Fleming and the artists who are canceling their gigs at the Kennedy Center. They're just trying to do what they think is right, you know? 
. And now, another iconic artist like Rhiannon Giddens is bailing on a show too... that's got me thinking about the power of art and how it can be used to speak truth to power