The Trump-Kennedy Center is not taking lightly the recent actions of jazz musician Chuck Redd, who decided to cancel a performance set for Christmas Eve. This decision stemmed from his disapproval of the institution’s new name that honors President Donald Trump.
In a letter dated December 26, shared by both The Associated Press and The New York Times, the center’s president Richard Grenell warned Redd of potential legal consequences, stating they may seek “$1 million in damages” for what he termed a “political stunt” that supposedly harmed the institution financially.
The 67-year-old vibraphonist explained to the AP and CNN that upon hearing about the name change, he promptly canceled his expected appearance at the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam.
“By pulling out at the last minute because of the name alteration to honor President Trump’s significant efforts to preserve this treasured arts venue, it’s a classic case of intolerance, which proves damaging to a non-profit arts organization,” Grenell’s letter stated, as per the report by the AP.
Grenell accused Redd of succumbing to the “bullying tactics” from certain leftist factions attempting to dissuade artists from engaging with this prominent cultural center. He also noted that attendance had reportedly been “lagging significantly behind our other holiday events” for the Jazz Jam that Redd had fronted for nearly two decades.
In his closing remarks, Grenell stressed that the center is committed to promoting excellence and accessibility for future generations, refusing to cave into external political pressures. “True artists should perform for all, irrespective of their audience’s political views,” he asserted in the letter.
On the same day, Grenell shared his insights via a post on X, discussing media coverage and expressing his belief that efforts are underway to counteract conservative support for the artistic community: “The left is pushing back against the arts because of Trump’s involvement. But we won’t let them silence our shows without repercussions. The arts belong to everyone, and the left is upset about that.”
USA TODAY has reached out to both Redd and the Trump-Kennedy Center for their statements.
Born in Maryland, Chuck Redd kicked off his musical career in the late ’70s alongside bossa nova legend Charlie Byrd, maintaining a long 19-year collaboration. Redd also held a faculty position at the University of Maryland and even played with Barney Kessel during a White House dinner hosted by President Jimmy Carter in 1981.
Over his more than forty years in the industry, Redd has shared the stage with celebrated artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, and Mel Tormé, as mentioned in his bio. His latest album, “Groove City,” was released in 2019.
Trump’s Allies Fill Kennedy Center Board
In February, Trump indicated that he would take on the role of the “incredible” chairman of the Kennedy Center, swiftly terminating existing board members, including prominent philanthropist David Rubenstein.
Newly appointed members included Usha Vance, the second lady, Pam Bondi (U.S. Attorney General), fashion designer Pamella Roland DeVos, entertainer Lee Greenwood, political commentator Laura Ingraham, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Grenell formerly served as the acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s initial term.
Controversially, the board’s decision on December 18 to rebrand the institution the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts has led to a federal lawsuit filed by U.S. Rep Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) on December 22.
Additionally, on December 7, Trump became the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, lavishing praise on honorees like Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and the members of KISS, while also reportedly deriding some attendees, stating, “I just hate them.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump-Kennedy Center threatens $1 million for musician’s ‘political stunt’
