Béla Fleck Withdraws From Kennedy Center Concerts After Trump Name Change: ‘Performing There Has Become Charged and Political’

Béla Fleck is the latest to join the growing list of artists who have withdrawn from performing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the wake of Donald Trump adding his name to the venue.

The banjo player was set to perform with the National Symphony Orchestra on February 19, 21 and 22 for the world premiere of “American Mosaic,” described on the Center’s website as “a true celebration of American music.” But Fleck took to social media on Tuesday to explain that the political implications of appearing at the venue have taken precedence over the music itself.

“I have withdrawn from my upcoming performance with the NSO at The Kennedy Center,” wrote Fleck. “Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music. I look forward to playing with the NSO another time in the future when we can together share and celebrate art.”

The Center updated the listing for the concerts with a note acknowledging Fleck’s decision not to perform. “Due to personal issues Béla Fleck regrettably has to withdraw from his performances with the National Symphony Orchestra,” reads the note, which adds that “American Mosaic” will now feature NSO Principal Clarinet Ling Ma performing Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto.

Fleck is one of many artists who have recently canceled their appearance at the Center, including some who withdrew after Trump’s name was added alongside John F. Kennedy’s at the venue. Last week, songwriter Stephen Schwartz said he would not take part in a program spotlighting him at the Center, stating, “It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be” and that “there’s no way I would set foot in it now.” At the end of 2025, two more acts — veteran jazz septet the Cookers and dance troupe Dog Varone and Dancers — canceled their performances.