Washington National Opera Considers Leaving Kennedy Center Amid Chaos

UPDATE: The Washington National Opera is urgently considering leaving the Kennedy Center as fallout from President Donald Trump‘s controversial takeover continues to impact the cultural institution. Artistic Director Francesca Zambello revealed the dire situation, stating, “It is our desire to perform in our home at the Kennedy Center. But if we cannot raise enough money, or sell enough tickets, we have to consider other options.”

Zambello’s statements, reported by The Guardian, come as the opera faces a staggering 40% drop in ticket sales and donor confidence since Trump’s announcement in February 2025 to chair the Kennedy Center, replacing its bipartisan board and leadership with his own appointees. This drastic shift has severely compromised the financial backbone of the opera, with audience attendance plummeting from 80%-90% capacity to a troubling 60%, maintained only through complimentary ticket distributions.

The artistic director described the center as “tainted” and “politicized by the current management,” contrasting it with prior leadership that valued a mix of political perspectives. Zambello emphasized that the new management’s approach has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the commitment to diversity and the type of operas being produced.

“We are producing The Marriage of Figaro, Aida, and West Side Story… I don’t see how we can get more popular than that,” she noted, pushing back against suggestions to shift towards more mainstream productions.

Zambello shared poignant messages from frustrated patrons, including comments like, “I’m never setting foot in there until the ‘orange menace’ is gone” and, “Don’t you know history? I refuse to give you a penny.” These sentiments highlight the emotional impact of the leadership changes on the audience, with many feeling disenfranchised.

Financial pressures have built to a critical point, with Trump-appointed center president Richard Grenell enforcing a rule requiring all shows to be “net neutral.” Zambello warned, “We can’t present a net-neutral budget without an epic amount of outside funding, or knowing that our patrons would come back.”

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Zambello remains hopeful for a resolution. “We can’t turn our backs on half this country. We have to find a way to all communicate and function together. I don’t believe in ‘us’ and ‘them,’” she stated, emphasizing the necessity for unity within the community.

As the Washington National Opera grapples with these developments, the cultural landscape at the Kennedy Center remains uncertain. Stakeholders and supporters are left wondering what the future holds for this iconic institution.

What happens next: The opera’s leadership will likely intensify efforts to engage with patrons and donors in the coming weeks, aiming to stabilize ticket sales and restore confidence as they navigate this turbulent period. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.