The Kennedy Center recently canceled an upcoming performance from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW) shortly after President Donald Trump took over as the chairman of the venue’s board of trustees. Trump assumed the position earlier this month after firing President Deborah Rutter.
The 250-member choir announced on Tuesday night that they were “deeply disappointed” that the Kennedy Center canceled their performance. The group had previously performed for numerous Democratic presidents, singing for the Bidens, the Obamas, and the Clintons.
“We are deeply disappointed with the news that our upcoming Pride performance with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has been canceled. The piece was intended to be a part of the Kennedy Center’s Pride celebration and we were very excited to be collaborating with the NSO as their guest chorus on the piece titled “A Peacock Among Pigeons,” the statement read.
The group added, “We believe in the power of music to educate and uplift, to foster love, understanding, and community, and we regret that this opportunity has been taken away.” The statement continued, “While we are saddened by the decision, we are committed to this work and the mission of raising our voice for equality for all.”
The LGBT singers continued, “We are grateful for those who have supported us, and we will continue to seek spaces where our voices, our stories, and our music can be heard. To that end, we will be performing “A Peacock Among Pigeons” during our upcoming Choral Festival that is a part of WorldPride 2025.”
“We will continue to advocate for artistic expression that reflects the depth and diversity of our community and country. We will continue to sing and raise our voices for equality,” the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. concluded the statement.
The event, slated for May 21, will instead feature the National Symphony Orchestra performing “The Wizard of Oz in Concert.” Trump took to Truth Social earlier this mont, maintaining he would make the Kennedy Center “GREAT AGAIN,” after firing multiple individuals from the venue’s board.
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Trump wrote, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
Liberals have reportedly protested outside the Kennedy Center in recent days after Trump’s takeover and subsequent ban on drag shows. Conservative commentator Nick Sortor wrote on X, “The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC has just been evacuated due to a B0MB THREAT. Leftists have been throwing a FIT at the Kennedy Center since Trump banned drag shows targeted at children and made himself Chair.”
Watch the protest below: