Kennedy Center Chief Richard Grenell Out as Trump Touts New Appointee

Richard Grenell, a Trump crony who oversaw the Kennedy Center ‘s transition into The Trump Kennedy Center, is leaving the institution. The president announced Grenell’s departure on his Truth Social platform on Friday. “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,” President Trump wrote.

Grenell assumed the interim executive director role at the Kennedy Center in February 2025. Since then, he has been instrumental in Trumpifying the institution, overseeing its renaming as The Trump Kennedy Center and the rebranding of its signature event to become The Trump Kennedy Center Honors . The changes prompted sharp criticism from the arts community. Renee Fleming, Philip Glass, and the Washington City Opera all canceled planned performances at the hall.

The Center will close this summer to be renovated over the next two years. “Matt has helped us achieve tremendous progress in bringing the Center to the highest level of Excellence!” Trump wrote. “A Complete Reconstruction of THE TRUMP...