Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell is spinning the narrative after a long-standing musical act became the latest to exit since the performing arts venue’s tacky re-naming. The Washington National Opera announced on Friday that it was leaving the Kennedy Center after over 50 years of residency there.

The opera, which has performed at the arts center since 1971, was concerned about declines in attendance and donations during President Trump’s second term.

"It is no longer apolitical, and appearing there now has become a kind of ideological statement," Schwartz said.

A petition urging the San Francisco Ballet to cancel its planned Kennedy Center appearance is gaining attention as controversy continues over President Trump's takeover of the institution.