Kennedy Center head steps down after tumultuous year
The Trump ally's departure comes as the centre prepares to shut down for a two-year renovation.
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Notable Quotes
"Ric Grenell has done an excellent job in helping to co-ordinate various elements of the Center during the transition period, and I want to thank him for the outstanding work he has done."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER will be, at its completion, the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World!"
— Donald Trump , Politician
"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."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"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."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Thanks to @realDonaldTrump we are going to close down and fix everything in 2 years."
— Richard Grenell , Executive
"Professional artists should perform for everyone—not just for people they agree with politically."
— Richard Grenell , Executive
"You just made it political and caved to the woke mob who wants you to perform for only Lefties."
— Richard Grenell , Executive
Key People
Béla Fleck is a Grammy-winning bluegrass performer.
Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter and musician.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
President of FIFA.
Issa Rae is an actress and producer known for her work in television and film.
Jean Davidson is the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra.
Louise Penny is a best-selling Canadian mystery writer.
Matt Floca is the executive director and chief operating officer of the Kennedy Center.
First Lady of the United States known for her social initiatives.
Pam Bondi is a former attorney general of Florida.
Renée Fleming is an American soprano and an influential figure in classical music.
Ric Grenell is a close ally of US President Donald Trump and a former US ambassador to Germany.
Richard Grenell is a former U.S. Ambassador to Germany and was the head of the Kennedy Center.
White House Chief of Staff.
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The Trump ally's departure comes as the centre prepares to shut down for a two-year renovation.
Ric Grenell is set to transition out of his role as president of the Kennedy Center on Monday, coinciding with preparations for a major two-year renovation of the iconic performing arts venue. Grenell, who has served in this capacity since February 2025 as part of a leadership shift under President Trump, will remain involved as an unpaid consultant. The Kennedy Center, a prominent cultural institution, will close in July for a comprehensive overhaul dubbed 'Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding.'
President Donald Trump has dismissed Richard Grenell as head of the Kennedy Center, ending a contentious tenure marked by controversy and artistic withdrawals. Despite Trump thanking Grenell publicly for his service and coordination during a transition period, insiders describe Grenell as 'combative' and lacking expertise in the arts. His leadership saw a series of high-profile cancellations, including performances by the San Francisco Ballet and Béla Fleck, prompting public outbursts from Grenell on social media.
Richard Grenell, a close ally of President Donald Trump, is stepping down as president of the Kennedy Center amid controversy and widespread backlash within the arts community. Appointed during Trump's second term, Grenell spearheaded sweeping changes, including replacing the leadership with Trump appointees and renaming the institution the 'Trump Kennedy Center'—a move experts say requires congressional action. His leadership saw major figures and productions, like 'Hamilton,' withdraw from the center in protest.
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