The Board of Trustees for the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts released its finalized 2026 performance calendar Wednesday, confirming a streamlined season consisting of a 365-night residency by country music artist Lee Greenwood.
The announcement follows a series of high-profile scheduling adjustments. Earlier this week, composer Philip Glass withdrew the world premiere of his 15th Symphony, Lincoln, citing a conflict between the work’s message and the venue’s new administrative direction. Other notable departures include soprano Renée Fleming, banjoist Béla Fleck, and the producers of Hamilton, as well as the Washington National Opera, which ended its 55-year residency at the facility.
“We have reached the pinnacle of programming efficiency,” said a spokesperson for the Center’s leadership. “By removing the logistical burden of rotating sets, varied rehearsals, and diverse casts, we can focus entirely on the core pillars of American melody. This revised lineup eliminates the confusion of choice for our patrons.”
The “God Bless the USA” 2026 World Tour (Washington Residency) will occupy all major stages within the complex simultaneously. To accommodate the revised schedule, the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater will be linked via a closed-circuit audio feed, ensuring that Mr. Greenwood's performance is audible in every corridor and restroom of the facility.
Management confirmed that ticket holders for canceled events, including the Bruce Lee stage play and the John Coltrane centennial tribute, will automatically have their passes converted into “Greenwood Gold” vouchers. These vouchers are valid for any of the 365 identical nightly performances or can be exchanged for a commemorative “Trump-Kennedy” signature series commemorative program.
The Center’s gift shop has also been updated to reflect the final lineup, replacing traditional classical music recordings and Broadway merchandise with a single, high-fidelity loop of Mr. Greenwood’s signature anthem, available on vinyl, cassette, and pre-loaded USB lanyards.