A judge in Washington has mandated that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts compensate jazz artist Chuck Redd with over $250,000 in legal fees. This ruling follows the dismissal of the center’s lawsuit against Redd for breach of contract. In 2025, Redd, a renowned American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his long-standing role as host of the center’s annual free Christmas Eve concert due to the controversial decision to incorporate Donald Trump’s name into the building’s portico.
Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, expressed that dealing with unfounded and politically driven lawsuits from the Trump Administration should not be necessary for any citizen. Redd, a regular performer at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts, opted out of the event last year after the addition of Trump’s name to the building. The center subsequently threatened to sue Redd for withdrawing from the concert, citing intolerance and seeking $1 million in damages. However, the lawsuit was later thrown out by a judge for failing to present a valid breach of contract claim.
In a separate ruling, a federal judge determined that Trump’s name was unlawfully added to the Kennedy Center. This decision stemmed from conflicts arising when Trump assumed control of the center by dismissing the longstanding chairperson. Numerous figures in the arts and culture realm have distanced themselves from the center or canceled appearances following these changes. The letters spelling out Trump’s name on the building have since been removed, with the center confirming the alteration.
The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the ruling, while Redd’s legal team views the judge’s decision as justified. The center, known for hosting over 2,000 events annually and being home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, remains embroiled in the aftermath of these contentious developments.