Kennedy Center and Arts Governance

Composer Philip Glass has withdrawn the premiere of his new "Lincoln" symphony from the Kennedy Center, saying it conflicts with the venue’s current leadership after Donald Trump became chairman in February 2025 and the board voted in December 2025 to rename it the "Trump–Kennedy Center." The National Symphony Orchestra’s executive director Jean Davidson said the orchestra learned of Glass’s decision at the same time as the press, while Kennedy Center PR chief Roma Daravi dismissed the cancellations as driven by "leftist activists" and President Richard Grenell blamed previous "far left leadership" for politically biased bookings.