In recent days, several surly “pick-me” artists have canceled their engagements at the Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts over objections to the building’s new title.
Acts like the Jazz Septet, The Cookers and the Dance Ensemble, Doug Varone and the Dancers have all withdrawn in opposition, with Varone claiming his company is losing $40,000 for taking his stand.
Workers install Donald J. Trump above current signage at the Kennedy Center on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)
But let’s not kid ourselves: Varone and all these groups will be raising money for their anti-Trump antics for years to come.
The question is how can the center’s president, Ric Grenell, and his board move forward in an environment where so many artists simply refuse to play? I have five suggestions that could make 2026 the best in the venue’s history.
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1. Name of artistic director David Mamet
Somewhat astonishingly, the role of artistic director does not exist at the Trump Kennedy Center. Instead, each division, whether opera or symphony, has individual leadership. This needs to change and playwright Mamet is absolutely the right man for the job.
Mamet has proven to be the one conservative art figure who simply can’t be canceled because he’s just that good. I don’t care how far left an actor is, they would walk over hot coals for the chance to appear in ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’.
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Mamet also has the connections to bring in a wide range of talent, both artistic and production. There is no more beautiful sight of the center today.
2. More celebrity-driven straight plays
Speaking of playwrights, the Trump Kennedy Center should shift some of its emphasis from classical music and dance to regular (non-musical) plays. This could allow it to steal the secret sauce that Broadway has discovered over the past decade.
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A limited edition of a classic or popular play starring movie stars is simply sold. Even Samuel Beckett’s notoriously complicated ‘Waiting for Godot’ is packed with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter on stage eight days a week. It’s a no-brainer.
Kelsey Grammer called Donald Trump one of the “greatest” presidents ever. (Getty Images)
From Kelsey Grammar to James Woods and Patricia Heaton, there are stars who lean right, or at least don’t shy away from making good art in the name of politics. Five such productions a year would be a big draw, and unlike musicals, regular plays are very cheap to produce.
3. Country and rap musicals
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The musical cannot be abandoned, of course, but the Trump Kennedy Center should focus on musical genres that are ideologically open to all Americans, not just the left. Country music is an obvious choice, but as Nicki Minaj just showed during her performance at TPUSA alongside Erika Kirk, rap also has its moderate sides.
Why not a country clothesline musical full of big standard hits? Why not the first real gangta rap musical? This ridiculous boycott of so many of the same old people in the music industry, like the hams of ‘Hamilton’, should be seen as an opportunity to innovate, not an invitation to surrender.
4. More rentable theater space
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While snobbish artistic elites turn their noses at the chance to appear at the Trump Kennedy Center, there are thousands of artists and arts companies who would be ecstatic at the opportunity and willing, within their means, to pay for the opportunity.
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I produced theater in New York City for over a decade and the biggest challenge was always finding affordable space. The Trump Kennedy Center could be that for so many contemporary artists, and while many productions may be unremarkable, who knows what diamonds might be developed in a melting pot of non-ideological art? This could also take the form of a Trump Kennedy Center Fringe Festival.
5. More outdoor events
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Among its countless charms is the fact that the Trump Kennedy Center is located on a beautiful piece of land with breathtaking views of the Potomac and is simply a great place to spend a spring or summer afternoon or evening. Organize swing dancing or pop concerts in the open air. Hell, host a chili cook-off. Get people used to going downtown.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is lit in red, white and blue and reflected in the Potomac River at dusk on May 8, 2025 in Washington, DC (David Ake/Getty Images)
The real goal here, one that has not been achieved for many years, is to make the Trump Kennedy Center a permanent venue in the repertoire of average locals, and not just the wealthy movers and shakers. Outdoor events are a fantastic way to attract just such an audience.
If the artistic elites who hate President Trump, and let’s face it, don’t love America itself, have decided they’re too good for the Trump Kennedy Center, then I say, “Good riddance.”
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There are countless artists who would love this opportunity. Yes, it will take some time, as is the case for all artistic organizations to gain a following, before they become part of the life of their community. But it can happen and it’s worth a try.
The year for the Trump Kennedy Center to become great is 2026, and it is a goal that is absolutely within reach.
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