Washington National Opera says it's leaving the Kennedy Center
CBS News••entertainment
Key Points:
- The Washington National Opera (WNO) announced it will end its affiliation with the Kennedy Center and move performances to other venues due to financial constraints following changes imposed after President Trump's takeover of the Center's leadership.
- The opera plans to reduce its spring season and operate independently to maintain a balanced budget, citing the Kennedy Center's new business model requiring full advance funding of productions as incompatible with opera operations.
- Ric Grenell, the Center's interim executive director and Trump aide, stated that the Center has spent millions supporting the WNO but that the opera continues to operate at a deficit, suggesting the split will allow more flexibility in programming.
- The Kennedy Center was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center in December, a controversial move that led to cancellations by several artists
