Washington National Opera departs Trump-Kennedy Center amid financial difficulty

The Washington National Opera announced plans Friday to leave the Trump-Kennedy Center, one of several notable departures since the Trump administration assumed responsibility for the institution.

The Trump administration’s move to gain control over the newly rebranded Trump-Kennedy Center has sparked a backlash from some artists and artists who argue that the move politicizes the cultural space. However, this latest departure is reportedly due to financial difficulties rather than political disagreements.

Washington National Opera (WNO), which has performed at the Center since 1971, wrote: Statement to the New York Times“Today, Washington National Opera announced its decision to amicably terminate its affiliation agreement with the Kennedy Center early and continue its operations as a fully independent, nonprofit organization.”

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Roma Daravi, vice president of public affairs for the Trump-Kennedy Center, told X that this was not a politically driven change but the result of years of financial distress that began long before Trump returned to office.

“The relationship with WNO presents more than a decade of ongoing financial challenges through politically appointed Board members from both sides of the aisle; financial problems long predate current leadership. When financial commitments are not met year after year, we are forced to make difficult decisions for the financial health of the Trump Kennedy Center.” he wrote.

“The institution remains steadfast in its commitment to the arts, including opera, while providing support for fiscally responsible and mission-driven initiatives. Given the long-standing financial distress, it has become necessary for us to part ways in the best interests of the Center.”

Daravi added in a statement to Fox News Digital: “There are wonderful operas in the United States and Asia that we (WNO) were unable to contract due to their exclusivity. Our audiences will now have more options than ever before to experience world-class opera at the Trump Kennedy Center.”

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Demonstrators hold signs at a designated protest spot in front of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Performing Arts Center, a day after the Trump-appointed board voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center in Washington on Dec. 20, 2025. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)

Another spokesperson for the Trump-Kennedy Center told Fox News Digital: “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with WNO due to a financially challenging relationship. We believe this represents the best path forward for both organizations and allows us to make responsible choices that support the financial stability and long-term future of the Trump Kennedy Center.”

Additionally, a Washington National Opera board member wrote: “There were disagreements among the board about whether to resign. Some WNO Board members are resigning.”

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President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Kennedy Center Pride event. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

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