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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Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that Grenell will be replaced by Matt Floca, the centre's vice-president of facilities operations.

Grenell, a former US ambassador to Germany, oversaw far-reaching changes at the centre that were followed by an exodus of artists and plummeting ticket sales.

Trump installed himself as the chairman of the centre in February 2025 after returning to the White House and renamed it after himself. The performing arts venue is now preparing to shut down for a two-year renovation.

"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," Trump wrote.