Kennedy Center Cancels Pride Events After Trump Overhaul

The Kennedy Center has abruptly canceled or relocated a week's worth of LGBTQ+ events tied to the 2025 WorldPride festival in Washington, D.C., after a leadership overhaul led by President Donald Trump, who was elected chairman and pledged to end drag shows and reshape the center’s programming. Trump’s changes included removing and replacing much of the board. In response, the Capital Pride Alliance severed ties with the Kennedy Center and proactively moved events to other venues to safeguard the LGBTQ+ community. The cancellations have generated disappointment and concern among artists, producers, and advocates, who cited a lack of transparency from the Kennedy Center. Despite the upheaval, Pride organizers stress the resilience and adaptability of the community in continuing celebrations elsewhere. This development highlights increasing tensions over LGBTQ+ representation and rights in U.S. arts institutions under shifting political leadership.