Michael Feinstein Accuses Kennedy Center of Government-Sanctioned Censorship for Pride Cancellations

Michael Feinstein, a five-time Grammy nominee and founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation, has publicly condemned the Trump administration's takeover of the Kennedy Center and its subsequent cancellation of Pride Month programming, describing it as government-sanctioned censorship targeting LGBTQ+ art and artists. Feinstein criticized the abrupt cancellation of the 'A Peacock Among Pigeons: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride' program, which he was scheduled to conduct and perform at, and warned that such actions silence creativity based on sexual orientation. He also linked these cancellations to broader defunding efforts against arts institutions like PBS and NPR, expressing concern over the erasure of queer contributions to the arts. Broadway legend Liza Minnelli echoed Feinstein's concerns, calling the cancellations a "bigoted attack on the arts" and highlighting the vital role LGBTQ+ artists have played in entertainment. Both artists urged the public to take action against censorship and defend the diversity and inclusivity that characterize American culture. Feinstein further encouraged support for organizations like The Trevor Project and warned of the dangerous precedent such censorship sets for artistic expression.