Producers of the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” have announced they will no longer appear at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., next year, citing President Trump’s influence over the venue.
Lead producer Jeffrey Seller described the institution as “sacred” and argued recent changes have made it “untenable for us to participate.”
The third run of “Hamilton” at the Kennedy Center, which was set for March 3 through April 26 of next year, has been officially scrapped.
“Given the recent actions, our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center,” Seller explained on Wednesday.
🚨 JUST IN: The cast of Hamilton has CANCELLED their shows at the Kennedy Center in DC because President Trump banned drag shows for children
I kid you not.
Sounds like someone might need to start investigating the cast of Hamilton! Might find some concerning pdophilic… pic.twitter.com/T25zF3O5UF
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 5, 2025
Seller clarified the decision was not a personal protest against the Trump administration but rather against what he described as “partisan policies” stemming from control over the Kennedy Center.
Earlier this year, Trump declared himself chair of the Kennedy Center after reshuffling its board, stating he aimed to make the center “a very special and exciting place!”
His move included appointing Richard Grenell, a former acting director of national intelligence and one of Trump’s loyalists, as the interim executive director.
Grenell was tasked with overseeing daily operations and implementing what Trump called “a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture.”
Predictably, these shifts caused an uproar among performers and celebrities tied to the Kennedy Center, many of whom cut ties with its programs and initiatives.
“This latest action by Trump means it’s not the Kennedy Center as we knew it,” “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda told the New York Times.
“The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and we’re not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center. We’re just not going to be part of it.”
Seller backed Miranda’s comments, accusing the Trump administration of erasing the neutrality the Kennedy Center once represented.
“Trump took away our national arts center for all of us,” Seller said, adding that “it became untenable for us to participate in an organization that had become so deeply politicized.”
Seller went on to claim that Kennedy Center leadership has essentially declared the venue exclusive to Trump loyalists, saying, “They took it over and said it’s not for everyone. It’s just for Donald Trump and his crowd.”
This led the production team of “Hamilton” to terminate their engagement, citing both ethical and financial concerns.
Seller explained that continuing would risk significant losses for the musical’s staff and performers if the new administration chose to cancel already agreed-upon contracts.
However, Grenell fired back, labeling the announcement a “publicity stunt” by Seller and Miranda.
Let’s be clear on the facts.
Seller and @Lin_Manuel first went to the New York Times before they came to the Kennedy Center with their announcement that they can’t be in the same room with Republicans.
This is a publicity stunt that will backfire.
The Arts are for everyone -… https://t.co/K56LjofULp
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) March 5, 2025
He accused them of prioritizing media exposure over professionalism, claiming they informed the New York Times before contacting the Kennedy Center.
“Seller and @Lin_Manuel first went to the New York Times before they came to the Kennedy Center with their announcement that they can’t be in the same room with Republicans,” Grenell said on X.
“This is a publicity stunt that will backfire. The Arts are for everyone – not just for the people who Lin likes and agrees with.”
Grenell didn’t hold back, adding, “The American people need to know that @Lin_Manuel is intolerant of people who don’t agree with him politically. It’s clear he and Sellers don’t want Republicans going to their shows.”
Grenell’s remarks were reminiscent of a statement made by Trump back in 2016 when he accused the “Hamilton” cast of disrespecting then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence during a post-performance speech.
At that time, an actor addressed Pence from the stage, saying, “We, sir — we — are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights.”
Hamilton famously interrupted its show to embarrass Mike Pence in 2017, urging their audience to record & share footage of their stupid leftist monologue.
No sympathy. Y’all opened Pandora’s box. You will deal with the consequences of your actions. https://t.co/eFUeRAJNSp pic.twitter.com/Tk5yKxmRxZ
— blayne c. (@blaynecs) March 6, 2025
Trump lashed back on Twitter, claiming the cast “harassed” Pence and deeming their actions “rude.” He demanded an apology, which was never issued.
During Trump’s presidency, “Hamilton” performed at the Kennedy Center in 2018, seemingly without issue. The show returned in 2022 under Biden’s administration.
This year’s sudden cancellation adds to growing tensions between Miranda and the Trump-era political environment.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center, “Hamilton” producers hinted at alternatives for D.C. audiences.
Miranda and Seller confirmed in a joint statement that they intend to announce a new local venue for the show soon.