- Hamilton cancels Kennedy Center run following Trump leadership changes, the decision stems from concerns over partisan policies at the Kennedy Center.
- Producer Jeffrey Seller emphasized protecting sacred institutions from politics.
- Other artists and groups have also distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center.
The Broadway sensation Hamilton has officially canceled its 2026 performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a decision driven by concerns over the institution’s shifting leadership under President Donald Trump.
Producer Jeffrey Seller made the announcement on March 5, explaining that the production could not align itself with what he described as a “new culture” being imposed on the Kennedy Center. The planned run, which was set to take place from March 3 to April 26, 2026, would have marked Hamilton’s third appearance at the venue, following highly successful engagements in 2018 and 2022.
Seller clarified that this move was not an outright protest against the Trump administration but rather a response to recent changes that have fundamentally altered the Kennedy Center’s character.
Trump, who recently appointed himself chairman of the board, replaced much of its leadership with allies, a shift Seller believes has introduced an unwelcome “spirit of partisanship” into an institution long celebrated for its bipartisan values. He also noted that this decision was partly pragmatic, as ongoing uncertainty about the center’s direction could pose risks to both the financial stability of the production and the well-being of its team.
A statement from Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller. pic.twitter.com/yTLlrzFAHW
— Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) March 5, 2025
This announcement comes amid a wave of similar cancellations at the Kennedy Center. Other groups, including the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and a children’s musical tour, have also withdrawn their performances in light of these developments.
Seller stressed that while political debate is vital in any democracy, certain institutions—like the Kennedy Center—should remain above partisan influence. He reflected on its founding principles as a space to honor arts and culture across party lines, recalling its legacy under presidents such as Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Nixon.
The ripple effects of Trump’s leadership overhaul have extended beyond Hamilton. Prominent figures in entertainment like Shonda Rhimes and Issa Rae have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center as well.
This growing exodus underscores broader concerns about how politicization is reshaping spaces traditionally seen as neutral cultural hubs. For Hamilton, a show rooted in themes of democracy and inclusion, this decision appears to be both a statement and a safeguard for its values.
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Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
