Ryan McKinny is praising the Washington National Opera’s decision to leave the Kennedy Center.

In a social media post the bass-baritone said,  “I am proud to be a part of an organization that stands up for the arts – and for what’s right.”

However, he did urge audiences to start supporting the company. He said, “If you’ve stayed away from the Kennedy Center because of what’s been happening there, please show your support to Washington National Opera now. We need you.”

McKinny is set to perform the role of John Proctor in the company’s new production of “The Crucible” alongside J’Nai Bridges. Robert Spano will conduct the production.

McKinny’s comments came hours after the Washington National Opera announced its was leaving the Kennedy Center due to the decline in ticket sales after the Trump takeover. It also comes months after Artistic Director Francesca Zambello told the Guardian the company was thinking about leaving the center.

The Washington National Opera had been affected by the Trump takeover when it announced its 2025-26 season as the team of “Fellow Travelers” canceled its production because the new administration’s values ran counter to the values of “freedom and liberty for all people” that are highlighted in the opera. That was followed by the cancelation of Stephen Schwartz, who was set to host the company’s annual gala.

Since President Trump took over the performing arts center, it has been in turmoil with decline in ticket sales and artists canceling. It has also seen President Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance booed. Trump is also being sued due to the illegal renaming of the center.

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