NEW YORK — “Hamilton,” the enormously successful musical production on Broadway, has withdrawn its anticipated performance run at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., citing recent changes to the institution’s leadership attributed to President Donald Trump.
Producer Jeffrey Seller announced on Wednesday, “We find it morally challenging to participate in the newly embraced ethos that the Kennedy Center is currently adopting.”
“Hamilton,” featuring the innovative, hip-hop-infused storytelling of America’s first treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton, is a creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda that has accrued numerous accolades, including the Tony Award for best new musical, the Pulitzer Prize for drama, a Grammy, and the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. Miranda’s contributions have also earned him a prestigious MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant.
The musical previously took the stage at the Kennedy Center in 2018 during Trump’s first administration and returned in 2022 while Joe Biden held the presidency. A third scheduled run from March 3-April 26, 2026, has now been canceled. No tickets had yet been made available for purchase.
Producer Seller clarified, “Our decision is not a direct opposition to Trump’s leadership, but rather a response to the partisan decisions now steering the Kennedy Center, consequent to his recent influence. These measures introduce a stark partisanship into the realm of the revered national institution.”
Turmoil at the Kennedy Center has followed Trump’s assertive move to replace the institution’s leadership and his assumption of the chair of the board of trustees, actions seen as part of his broader campaign against “woke” culture.
The venue has seen other scheduled performances canceled, including those by actor Issa Rae, singer and musician Rhiannon Giddens, author Louise Penny, and the rock band Low Cut Connie. Nonetheless, singer-songwriter Victoria Clark proceeded with her concert on February 15, notably wearing a T-shirt inscribed with “ANTI TRUMP AF” while on stage.
“Hamilton” has not shied away from political commentary in the past; in 2016, the cast made headlines by addressing then Vice President-elect Mike Pence during a curtain call, urging the incoming Trump administration to “preserve our American values” and advocate “on behalf of all of us.”
The Kennedy Center, welcoming millions of guests annually, is a remarkable arts complex funded by both governmental support and private contributions, boasting facilities such as a concert hall, an opera house, and a theater. It also includes a lecture space, numerous meeting areas, and a versatile “Millennium Stage” hosting free performances.
