Ric Grenell Steps Down as Kennedy Center President; Trump Names Replacement Matt Floca

Richard Grenell stepped down as president of the Kennedy Center on March 13, 2026.

“WASHINGTON — Richard Grenell, an ally of President Donald Trump who oversaw far reaching changes at the Kennedy Center that prompted many artists to abandon the iconic performing arts venue, will step down as the institution’s president”

Chicago Tribune

President Trump announced the change on social media and named Matt Floca as his replacement.

ClickOnDetroit

Grenell, a longtime Republican foreign policy adviser and Trump loyalist who served as U.S. ambassador to Germany, will be succeeded by Floca.

Trump praised Grenell's work in coordinating various elements during the transition period.

The moves are expected to be finalized at a White House board meeting scheduled for Monday.

The announcement comes as the Kennedy Center prepares to close this summer for a two-year renovation period.

Trump has described the renovation as necessary to address what he calls a dilapidated building condition.

Grenell's tenure at the Kennedy Center was marked by dramatic political transformation of the traditionally nonpartisan institution.

Trump exploited his role as appointer of the board of trustees to purge members installed by previous administrations.

Houston Public Media

Trump installed Grenell as a 'bomb-throwing loyalist' who frequently performed his devotion to the president on social media.

Under Grenell's leadership, the institution became the 'Trump Kennedy Center' months before the board made that name official.

Changes included more Christian-themed programs and venue rentals to right-wing groups like CPAC.

The center became aligned with Trump administration priorities.

The traditional bipartisan gathering place was replaced by it becoming 'an extension of Trump's White House during his second term.'

Grenell's leadership sparked intense backlash from the arts community.

“President Trump announced Friday afternoon on his Truth Social platform that Richard Grenell, the former U”

Houston Public Media

Numerous high-profile cancellations resulted from this backlash.

Prominent musicals like 'Hamilton' canceled performances.

Artists including Issa Rae, Louise Penny, Ben Folds, and Renée Fleming withdrew from appearances or resigned as consultants.

The Washington National Opera announced it was moving out due to declining attendance and Grenell's edict about break-even productions.

The National Symphony Orchestra performed to empty seats while scrambling to find substitutes for canceled artists.

Last week, the orchestra's executive director Jean Davidson announced she was leaving.

Grenell frequently clashed with artists on social media, accusing Lin-Manuel Miranda and Yasmin Williams of various political biases.

Matt Floca will succeed Grenell as the Kennedy Center's new leader.

Floca brings a facilities management background to the role.

Mediapart

He joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024 during the Biden administration.

He is described as 'an experienced facilities management professional with a construction management background.'

His previous experience includes positions with the District of Columbia government.

The Kennedy Center braces for a two-year closure starting after July Fourth.

The closure is for renovations Trump describes as necessary to repair the 'dilapidated building.'

Questions remain about the $200 million renovation project's scope and impact.

An insider described the latest renderings as 'disgusting' and suggested appearance won't change much.