Washington National Opera to leave Kennedy Center in wake of Trump renaming

The Washington National Opera on Friday announced that it’s leaving the Kennedy Center, where it has performed for decades, in the latest high-profile departure following President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the iconic venue.

“To ensure fiscal prudence and fulfill its obligations for a balanced budget, the WNO will reduce its spring season and relocate performances to new venues,” the Opera said in a statement. “This is a decision centered on doing what is best for the WNO going forward after an amicable transition.”

The opera company added that the “affiliation was never intended to be permanent,” and that it wants to work with the center for a smooth transition. It will announce new performance spaces in the coming weeks, according to the statement.

A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center said in a statement Friday that “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with the WNO due to a financially challenging relationship.”

“We believe this represents the best path forward for both organizations and enables us to make responsible choices that support the financial stability and long-term future of the Trump Kennedy Center,” the spokesperson said.

While the opera company did not cite politics as a reason for its exit, the move underscores how the Kennedy Center has become a political lightning rod in the artistic community over the past year. The board elected President Donald Trump its chair in 2025,and last month it added Trump’s name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, calling it “The Trump-Kennedy Center.”

Musicians such as Béla Fleck have canceled performances at the facility, while “Wicked” composer Stephen Schwartz said he is no longer hosting a gala at the center, noting that “appearing there has now become an ideological statement.”