Out Ric Grenell, a close ally of Donald Trump, is stepping down today as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts following a controversial tenure that drew criticism from artists and LGBTQ advocates. According to reports, Ric Grenell will transition out of the role but remain involved as an unpaid consultant.
He is expected to be succeeded by Matt Floca, the center’s vice president of facilities operations. The leadership change is expected to be announced during a Kennedy Center board meeting at the White House that Trump is slated to attend. Grenell took control of the institution in February 2025 after Trump reshaped its leadership, calling the overhaul part of a coming “golden age” for American arts and culture.
The move sparked backlash across the arts community. Lin-Manuel Miranda canceled a planned staging of Hamilton, and Issa Rae scrapped a sold-out appearance. A Pride concert featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. and the National Symphony Orchestra was also canceled, and some WorldPride 2025 events moved elsewhere.
Tensions grew further when members of the Log Cabin Republicans disrupted a performance by guitarist Yasmin Williams. The transition comes as the center prepares for a major renovation. Trump has announced the venue will close in July for two years for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding, promising a new and spectacular Entertainment Complex. Congress has approved roughly $257 million for the project.
