A judge in Washington has ruled that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must pay jazz musician Chuck Redd over $250,000 in legal fees. This ruling follows the dismissal of the center’s lawsuit against Redd for breach of contract. In 2025, Redd, an American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from hosting the center’s annual free Christmas Eve concert in response to the controversial addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s portico.
Redd’s lawyer, Lisa J. Banks, stated, “No citizen should have to deal with unfounded and politically motivated lawsuits from the Trump Administration.” Redd had been a long-time host and performer at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts but canceled his appearance last year due to Trump’s name being added to the building.
After Redd’s cancellation, the center threatened to sue him, claiming his actions were intolerant and costly. However, the lawsuit was later dismissed by a Washington judge for failing to present a valid breach of contract claim. The judge’s decision follows a ruling in May that deemed the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center as illegal.
Since Trump’s involvement in the center, numerous figures in the arts and culture community have distanced themselves or canceled appearances. The letters spelling out Trump’s name on the building have been removed, and the center plans to appeal the judge’s decision regarding the name change. Redd’s lawyers supported the judge’s ruling, calling the lawsuit against Redd by the Trump-controlled Kennedy Center baseless.
The Kennedy Center hosts a wide range of events annually and serves as the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera.
