Trending Now - Kennedy Center Faces Leadership Changes Amid Renovation Review
WHO:
President Trump announced on March 13, 2026, that Matt Floca will be named Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, subject to board approval.
Richard Grenell is stepping down as president of the Kennedy Center.
Matt Floca will be officially named Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center at a board meeting scheduled for March 16, 2026.
Richard Grenell is stepping down as president of the Kennedy Center.
Matt Floca is the current vice president of facilities operations at the Kennedy Center and will succeed Richard Grenell as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director.
Richard Grenell is stepping down as president of the Kennedy Center.
Matt Floca will succeed Richard Grenell as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, subject to board approval.
Richard Grenell has been the interim president of the Kennedy Center since February 2025.
Matt Floca will be named Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, subject to board approval.
Richard Grenell is stepping down as president of the Kennedy Center.
Matt Floca will be named Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, subject to board approval.
Richard Grenell, former U.S. ambassador to Germany, is leaving his position as president of the Kennedy Center.
Matt Floca, named CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center, subject to board approval.
President Donald Trump
Richard Grenell, interim president of the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Congress
WHAT:
Trump stated, "Ric Grenell has done an excellent job in helping to coordinate various elements of the Center during the transition period, and I want to thank him for the outstanding work he has done."
The Kennedy Center is set to close for renovations starting on July 4, 2026, for approximately two years.
Trump indicated that the renovations will include a "complete reconstruction" of the complex.
President Trump stated that the Kennedy Center will officially close for renovations on July 4, 2026, for approximately two years.
Trump indicated that the renovations will cost about $200 million, which is below the $250 million approved by Congress in 2025.
Trump released two renderings of the Kennedy Center's exterior after planned renovations, which are slated to be finished in 2028.
Trump stated, "THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER will be, at its completion, the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World!"
President Trump stated that the Kennedy Center will officially close for renovations on July 4, 2026.
The renovations are expected to cost approximately $200 million, which is below the $250 million approved by Congress in 2025.
Trump indicated that the renovations will include a "complete reconstruction" of the complex.
President Trump stated that the Kennedy Center will close for renovations starting on July 4, 2026, for approximately two years.
Trump indicated that the renovations will cost about $200 million, which is below the $250 million approved by Congress in 2025.
Trump released two renderings of the Kennedy Center's exterior after planned renovations, which are slated to be finished in 2028.
President Trump announced on March 13, 2026, that Grenell has done an "excellent job" during the center's transition and thanked him for his "outstanding work."
The Kennedy Center is set to close for renovations starting on July 4, 2026, for approximately two years.
Trump stated that the renovations will be a "complete reconstruction" of the complex.
President Trump stated that the renovations of the Kennedy Center are expected to cost about $200 million, which is below the $250 million approved by Congress last year.
The Kennedy Center is set to close for renovations starting on July 4th, 2026, for approximately two years.
President Trump announced on Truth Social that Ric Grenell is leaving his post as president of the Kennedy Center.
Trump stated that Grenell has done an "excellent job" during the center's transition and thanked him for his "outstanding work."
Trump referred to the Kennedy Center as "THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER" in his announcement.
Trump is expected to remove Richard Grenell as head of the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center is expected to close for two years for renovations starting July 4, 2026.
The renovation project is expected to cost about $200 million.
Trump released two renderings of the Kennedy Center's exterior after planned renovations.
Trump's name was added to the building's facade in December 2025.
WHERE:
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.
WHEN:
The announcement regarding Grenell's departure was made on March 13, 2026.
The Kennedy Center is scheduled to close for renovations on July 4, 2026.
The announcement regarding Grenell's departure was made on March 13, 2026.
The Kennedy Center is set to close for renovations starting on July 4, 2026, and is expected to reopen in 2028.
The announcement regarding Grenell's departure was made on March 13, 2026.
The Kennedy Center is set to close for renovations starting on July 4, 2026, and is expected to reopen in 2028.
The announcement regarding Grenell's departure was made on March 13, 2026.
Grenell has been interim president since February 2025.
The announcement regarding Grenell's departure was made on March 13, 2026.
Grenell has been interim president since February 2025.
The planned renovations are slated to be finished in 2028.
The announcement of Grenell’s departure could come as soon as March 13, 2026.
WHY:
Trump expressed frustration with negative headlines regarding the Kennedy Center's management under Grenell, stating that he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership role.
Trump expressed frustration with negative headlines regarding the Kennedy Center's management under Grenell, stating that he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership role.
A White House official insisted that Grenell wasn’t being fired but that he was always intended to help during the Kennedy Center’s transition period and then leave the role.
Trump expressed frustration with negative headlines regarding the Kennedy Center's management under Grenell, stating that he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership role.
Trump expressed frustration with negative headlines regarding the Kennedy Center's management under Grenell, stating that he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership role.
Trump expressed frustration with negative headlines regarding the Kennedy Center's management under Grenell, stating that he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership role.
Trump expressed frustration with negative headlines regarding the Kennedy Center's management under Grenell, stating that he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership role.
Trump expressed that he is pleased with the progress made under Floca's leadership as Vice President of Operations.
Trump is frustrated with negative headlines regarding the Kennedy Center's management under Grenell.
The Kennedy Center has faced high-profile performance cancellations, protests, declining ticket sales, and financial strain.
HOW:
Trump plans to use the building's existing steel and some of its marble for the renovations, stating, "I'm not ripping it down. I'll be using the steel, so we're using the structure."
Trump plans to use the building's existing steel and some of its marble for the renovations, stating, "I'm not ripping it down. I'll be using the steel, so we're using the structure."
Trump plans to use the building's existing steel and some of its marble for the renovations, stating, "I'm not ripping it down. I'll be using the steel, so we're using the structure."
Trump plans to use the building's existing steel and some of its marble for the renovations, stating, "I'm not ripping it down. I'll be using the steel, so we're using the structure."
Trump indicated that the renovations will include a new roof and replacing some marble and grout, as well as changes to the terrace.
Trump indicated that the renovations will include a "complete reconstruction" of the complex, with plans to use the building's existing steel and some of its marble.
Floca has been involved in achieving "tremendous progress" in bringing the Kennedy Center to a high level of excellence.
Trump plans to use the building's existing steel and some of its marble for the renovations.
The renovations will include a new roof and replacing some marble and grout, as well as changes to the terrace.
(UPDATED March 14, 2026 20:59 UTC)
On March 13, 2026, President Trump announced that Matt Floca will be appointed as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, pending board approval, following Richard Grenell's decision to step down from the position. Trump praised Grenell for his efforts during the transition but expressed frustration over negative headlines regarding the Center's management, stating that he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his role. The Kennedy Center is set to close for renovations on July 4, 2026, which will involve a complete reconstruction of the complex, utilizing existing steel and marble from the building.
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(UPDATED March 14, 2026 19:08 UTC)
In a significant leadership change, Matt Floca will be officially named Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center at a board meeting scheduled for March 16, while Richard Grenell is stepping down from his role as president. President Trump announced that the Kennedy Center will close for renovations on July 4, 2026, with a projected cost of about $200 million, which is less than the $250 million approved by Congress in 2025, and he shared renderings of the revamped exterior, aiming for completion in 2028. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Grenell's management, stating he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership, but a White House official clarified that Grenell's departure was part of a planned transition rather than a firing.
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(UPDATED March 14, 2026 17:06 UTC)
In a significant leadership change, Matt Floca has been named the new Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, succeeding Richard Grenell, who announced his departure on March 13. President Trump revealed that the Kennedy Center will close for renovations on July 4, 2026, with a budget of approximately $200 million for a complete reconstruction, which is less than the $250 million approved by Congress in 2025. Trump also noted that he plans to incorporate the building's existing steel and some marble into the renovations, emphasizing that he intends to preserve the structure rather than demolish it.
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(UPDATED March 14, 2026 07:13 UTC)
In a significant leadership change, Matt Floca is set to succeed Richard Grenell as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, pending board approval, following Grenell's interim presidency since February 2025. President Trump announced that the Kennedy Center will close for renovations starting July 4, 2026, with a budget of about $200 million, which is lower than the $250 million Congress approved in 2025, and he shared renderings of the updated exterior expected to be completed by 2028. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Grenell's management, saying he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his role, and emphasized that the renovations will utilize the building's existing steel and some marble, stating, "I'm not ripping it down."
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(UPDATED March 14, 2026 03:42 UTC)
President Trump announced on March 13, 2026, that Richard Grenell will step down as president of the Kennedy Center after serving in the role since February 2025, thanking him for his excellent work during the center's transition. Matt Floca is set to be named the new Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, pending board approval, as the Kennedy Center prepares for a complete reconstruction starting July 4, 2026, which will close the venue for approximately two years. Trump expressed frustration with negative headlines about the center's management under Grenell, stating that the renovations will include a new roof and updates to the terrace, along with replacing some marble and grout.
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(UPDATED March 14, 2026 01:24 UTC)
In a significant leadership change, Matt Floca is set to be named Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center, pending board approval, as Richard Grenell steps down from his position. President Trump announced that renovations at the Kennedy Center are projected to cost around $200 million, which is less than the $250 million Congress approved last year, and the center will close for these renovations starting on July 4th, 2026, for about two years. Trump expressed his frustration with Grenell's management, stating he felt Grenell had "fumbled" in his leadership role, and emphasized that the renovations will involve a complete reconstruction of the complex using existing steel and some marble.
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(UPDATED March 13, 2026 23:07 UTC)
Today, President Trump announced on Truth Social that Ric Grenell will be leaving his position as president of the Kennedy Center, where he has done an excellent job during the center's transition. In the same announcement, Trump expressed his gratitude for Grenell's outstanding work and referred to the venue as "THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER." Additionally, Matt Floca has been named the new CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center, pending board approval, and Trump highlighted Floca's significant contributions as Vice President of Operations in achieving tremendous progress for the center.
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(UPDATED March 13, 2026 21:09 UTC)
Today, President Trump is expected to announce the removal of Richard Grenell as the head of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., amid frustrations over the center's management and declining ticket sales. The Kennedy Center is set to close for two years starting July 4, 2026, for a $200 million renovation project that will include a new roof and updates to the terrace, with plans to finish the renovations by 2028. Trump has also released renderings of the center's exterior after the renovations and added his name to the building's facade in December 2025.