Hamilton Cancels Kennedy Center Performance Amid Trump Administration Shakeup

The Broadway musical 'Hamilton' has canceled its planned performance at the Kennedy Center in 2026, citing the Trump administration's takeover of the arts institution as the reason for their decision. Producer Jeffrey Seller and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda expressed that the changes have politicized the Kennedy Center, making it untenable for them to participate. They stated that the Kennedy Center, historically a bipartisan venue, has become aligned with Trump and his supporters, and they cannot support that direction. This decision was met with criticism, particularly from Kennedy Center Interim Director Ric Grenell, who accused the producers of staging a 'publicity stunt' and being intolerant of Republicans. Grenell's comments emphasized that the arts should be inclusive, countering the notion that 'Hamilton' does not want Republican audiences. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of politics and the arts in America.