The Kennedy Center's president, Richard Grenell, asserted that his organization first proposed ending its long-standing partnership with the Washington National Opera, countering the opera's announcement of an amicable departure. The move comes amid financial strains and political controversies surrounding the center's leadership under the Trump administration. Both sides acknowledge the relationship's recent unprofitability, though reasons for declining attendance differ.
Richard Grenell, the controversial president of Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center, issued a statement on January 10, 2026, insisting that the venue initiated the breakup with the Washington National Opera (WNO), which had announced the previous day that it would relocate its operations. The opera company, resident at the center since 1971, described the split as amicable and plans to operate as an independent nonprofit, with potential new sites in Washington but no leases signed yet.
Grenell attributed the decision to financial woes, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the center had spent $64 million over the last decade on the WNO's exclusivity, with the opera's expenses double its revenues. He noted a $7.2 million deficit for the WNO in fiscal year 2025, excluding $5.8 million in additional center support, and that opera ticket sales accounted for just 4% of the center's total revenue while comprising 16% of expenses. 'Having an exclusive Opera was just not financially smart. And our patrons clearly wanted a refresh,' Grenell wrote.
In contrast, WNO director Francesca Zambello told the Guardian in November 2025 that ticket sales had dropped 40% since the Trump administration assumed control of the center in February 2025, reducing capacity from 80-90% to 60%. She cited 'shattered' donor confidence, with one patron returning a shredded brochure saying, 'Never, never, will I return: while he’s in power.'
Grenell shared a screenshot of a private communication from the opera's board chair, dated from November 8, 2025, indicating discussions at his invitation to terminate the affiliation agreement, endorsed by the opera's executive committee on November 10 and board on December 11. Center spokesperson Roma Davari echoed this, stating the split protects the 'Trump Kennedy Center's' financial health amid unmet commitments.
The center recently renamed itself the Trump Kennedy Center, a move opponents say requires congressional approval. Political backlash has led to cancellations, including songwriter Stephen Schwartz withdrawing from an upcoming gala. It remains unclear if the WNO's spring season will proceed at the venue. Despite low attendance reports, Grenell claimed a 'record-breaking fundraising year' for the center.
