A judge in Washington has ruled in favor of jazz musician Chuck Redd, ordering the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to pay him over $250,000 US for legal fees. This decision follows the dismissal of the centre’s lawsuit against Redd for breach of contract by the same judge, Tanya Jones Bosier of the District of Columbia Superior Court.
In 2025, Chuck Redd, an American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his long-standing role as the host of the centre’s annual free Christmas Eve concert. This action was in response to the controversial addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s white marble portico. Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated that no citizen should have to endure baseless and politically motivated lawsuits like the one filed by the Trump Administration.
For years, Redd had been hosting and performing at the centre’s Christmas Eve concerts. However, he decided to pull out of the event last year after Trump’s name was displayed on the building’s facade. The centre threatened to sue Redd for withdrawing at the last minute, stating that his decision was intolerant and costly to the non-profit institution. They sought $1 million US in damages, but the lawsuit was later dismissed by the judge due to a lack of a valid breach of contract claim.
In May, a federal judge ruled that the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was illegal. This ruling stemmed from conflicts that arose when Trump assumed control of the centre, leading to the dismissal of longtime chair David Rubinstein. Several artists and figures in arts and culture distanced themselves from the centre or canceled appearances following the controversial changes.
The letters spelling out Trump’s name have since been removed from the facade of the Kennedy Center. The centre plans to appeal the judge’s decision, while Redd’s lawyers praised the ruling as appropriate. The Kennedy Center, known for hosting over 2,000 events annually and being the official residence of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, remains embroiled in the aftermath of these events.