A Jazz Musician Stands Up to a Name Change

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is embroiled in a legal dispute with jazz musician Chuck Redd. Redd canceled his annual Christmas Eve concert to protest the center's new name: the Trump-Kennedy Center.

The Dispute

• Richard Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center, accused Redd of bullying in a letter.
• Grenell claimed Redd's decision was costly to the center and threatened to sue for $1 million.
• Redd has hosted the concert for nearly 20 years but chose not to perform this year.

Background

• The board of trustees, all appointed by President Trump, changed the name.
• The center was once governed by a bipartisan board, but Trump replaced Democratic appointees.
• Trump also hosted the Kennedy Center Honors this month.
• The name change occurred six days before Christmas, sparking controversy.

Legal and Political Fallout

• Representative Joyce Beatty sued the center, arguing that an act of Congress is required to change the name.
• The center was designated as a memorial to JFK in 1964.