Kennedy Center head steps down after tumultuous year

Ric Grenell is stepping down as head of the Kennedy Center after a year of significant changes following Donald Trump's return to the White House in February 2025. Trump, who installed himself as chairman and renamed the center after himself, announced that Matt Floca, the center's vice-president of facilities operations, will replace Grenell. The change in leadership comes as the performing arts venue prepares to shut down for a two-year, $250 million renovation project spearheaded by Trump, who criticized the center's condition and past programming. The appointment of Floca, who joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024, is pending board confirmation and he will oversee the renovation starting in July. The center's renaming has faced legal challenges, as some argue Congressional approval is required.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories