politics
March 15, 2026
Why Trump Got Sick of Ric Grenell
The outgoing president of the Kennedy Center leaves the institution renamed, nearly closed, and wildly unpopular.
TL;DR
- Ric Grenell is exiting his role as president of the Kennedy Center after 13 months.
- President Trump announced Matt Floca, VP of facilities, as Grenell's apparent replacement.
- The Kennedy Center is scheduled for a two-year closure for renovations ordered by Trump.
- Grenell's tenure saw controversies including the attempted renaming of the center and clashes with artists.
- Ticket sales and attendance reportedly plummeted following the controversies and name change.
- Prominent artists and troupes canceled performances in protest.
- A lawsuit has been filed by Representative Joyce Beatty to halt the planned closure.
- Staffers are concerned about leadership absence and a lack of decision-making during Grenell's tenure.
- The future of the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Honors, and scheduled Broadway tours remains unclear.
- Trump plans to make the center "highly improved" and rebranded as the "TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER!"