The popular musical Hamilton has decided to cancel its upcoming show at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center. This decision comes after significant changes in leadership at the center following the Trump administration’s recent staff shakeup.
Last month, President Trump was appointed as chairman of the Kennedy Center after the firing of Deborah Rutter, the center’s former president. Richard Grenell, a Trump aide and former ambassador to Germany, stepped in as interim president. This sudden shift in leadership has led several prominent artists, including renowned soprano Renée Fleming, to cut ties with the Kennedy Center.
In a statement, Fleming expressed her hope that the Kennedy Center would continue to thrive and serve a diverse audience. However, Hamilton’s creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and lead producer Jeffrey Seller voiced their concerns about the direction the Kennedy Center is taking under Trump’s leadership. They believe it strays from its original bipartisan mission.
Miranda stated, “This latest action by Trump means it’s not the Kennedy Center as we knew it.” He emphasized that the Kennedy Center was not created to operate in this political climate and that they would not participate in what he called the "Trump Kennedy Center." Seller echoed these sentiments, saying it became impossible for them to be part of an organization that felt so politicized and exclusive.
The musical was set to participate in a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. However, the creators felt that the recent changes made it untenable to continue their involvement. They expressed disappointment that the Kennedy Center, which should represent all Americans, has been perceived as catering only to Trump and his supporters.
In response, Grenell accused Miranda and Seller of staging a publicity stunt that would ultimately backfire. He suggested that their refusal to work with Republicans reveals a lack of tolerance for differing political views. Grenell insisted that the arts should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their political beliefs.
This decision by Hamilton is not the first time the show has engaged in political discourse. In 2016, the cast famously addressed then-Vice President Mike Pence during a performance, urging him to uphold American values.
As the situation continues to unfold, it raises questions about the intersection of politics and the arts, and how leadership changes can impact cultural institutions.