Hamilton Cancels Washington Run Over Trump’s Kennedy Center Takeover

The Broadway phenomenon Hamilton is pulling the plug on its Washington, D.C. run in 2026, citing concerns over former President Donald Trump’s leadership shake-up at the Kennedy Center.

Why Hamilton Is Backing Out

Producer Jeffrey Seller announced on Wednesday that the show “cannot, in good conscience, participate” in the new culture being imposed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after Trump forced out its leadership and assumed control as chair of the board.

The musical, which previously ran at the Kennedy Center in 2018 and 2022, was set to return from March 3 to April 26, 2026. But with Trump’s influence reshaping the institution, the production team isn’t willing to move forward.

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Politics and Hamilton Have Crossed Paths Before

This isn’t the first time Hamilton has made headlines for taking a political stand. In 2016, cast members delivered a direct message to then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence from the Broadway stage, urging the Trump administration to “uphold American values” and serve all citizens.

What’s Next for the Kennedy Center?

The Kennedy Center, known for hosting millions of visitors each year, relies on government funding and private donations to operate. With Trump’s push against so-called “woke” culture, the future of the institution—and its ability to attract diverse and progressive productions—is now in question.

For now, Hamilton is making its stance clear: it won’t be back in Washington under these conditions.