Judge orders Kennedy Center to pay Chuck Redd after musician canceled concert to protest Trump

Published August 12, 2026 10:09am ET | Updated August 12, 2026 10:09am ET



A judge ordered the Kennedy Center to pay over $250,000 in legal fees to jazz musician Chuck Redd after he canceled his Christmas concert in protest of President Donald Trump.

Redd canceled the annual Christmas Eve performance he hosted at the cultural center in December after nearly 20 years, after Trump added his name to the building’s facade. The center sued the artist over a breach of contract, seeking $1 million in damages. The lawsuit was dismissed by Biden-appointed Judge Tanya Jones in June, who then ruled on Monday that the Kennedy Center must pay him $252,479 to cover his legal fees.

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