Issa Rae Cancels Her Sold-Out Show at Kennedy Center After Donald Trump Is Named Chair

Mar. 15, 2025

Issa Rae in London on Dec. 2, 2024; President Donald Trump in New York City on May 23, 2024.Photo:Lionel Hahn/Getty; James Devaney/GC

Lionel Hahn/Getty; James Devaney/GC

Issa Raehas canceled her show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing what she claimed was an “infringement on the values” of the venue.

The actress, writer and producer announced the cancelation of “An Evening with Issa Rae” on her Instagram Stories Thursday, Feb. 13, first thanking fans for selling out the show before explaining her reasoning, shortly after PresidentDonald Trumpwas elected chair of the Kennedy Center.

“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” wrote Rae, who played President Barbie in the 2023Barbiemovie.

“All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon,” Rae, 40, concluded, signing off with, “Love, Issa.”

The one-night-only event, which was set for March 16,was describedas a “night of cozy ambience, big laughs, and all the nostalgic feels” and a “night of connection with your community in a vibrant atmosphere.”

The Kennedy Center’s president Deborah Rutter was fired from her position, which she’d held since 2014, theNew York Timesreported on Feb. 12.Richard Grenellwas appointed interim president, while Trump, 78, replaced former Kennedy Center chair David M. Rubenstein.

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Issa Rae show-cancelation announcement on her Instagram Stories.Issa Rae/Instagram

Issa Rae/Instagram

According to a press release, 14 new Kennedy Center Board of Trustee members were announced Wednesday, including Vice PresidentJ.D. Vance’s wifeUsha Vance.

The president posted his plans for the cultural institution onTruth Social, writing on Feb. 7, “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!” he added.

The Kennedy Centerresponded on Feb. 8, saying they “received no official communications from the White House.”

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President Donald Trump in New York City on May 30, 2024.James Devaney/GC

James Devaney/GC

Also on Wednesday, musicianBen Foldsannounced he wasstepping down from his positionat the National Symphony Orchestra.

“Given the developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me,” Folds, 58, wrote, in part, in a statementon Instagram.

“It’s been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music,” he continued.

The musician concluded, “Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation’s symphony orchestra — just the best!”

A spokesperson forShonda Rhimesalso confirmed to PEOPLE on Wednesday that theGrey’s Anatomycreator, 55, has resigned from her role as Kennedy Center treasurer.

source: people.com