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Richard Grenell to step down as director of the Kennedy Center
2026-03-13 23:47:33 / BOTA
Richard Grenell will resign from his position as president of the Kennedy Center, one of the leading arts centers in the US.
This change is expected to be announced during a meeting of the Trump Kennedy Center Board of Directors at the White House on Monday, which President Trump is also expected to attend.
The decision comes at a time when the renowned arts and cultural institution in Washington is expected to close for about two years due to planned reconstruction.
After Grenell, Trump has expressed interest in Floca, who previously worked in the D.C. government as associate director for sustainability and energy. Trump has discussed with Floca possible changes to the center, including paint colors, seating and the addition of marble.
Grenell has led the Kennedy Center as interim president since February 2025. During this period, the institution has faced a series of controversies, including show cancellations, protests, declining ticket sales, and financial difficulties.
A White House official stressed that Grenell is not being fired, but that it was originally intended for him to help during the transition period and then leave the post.
During his tenure, Grenell was criticized by some in the art world for changes that they said broke with decades of traditions and practices at the institution. Some Kennedy Center employees have stated that he had no experience in the field of arts and culture.
However, his supporters have said that Grenell was exactly the right person to implement Trump's vision for this institution and bring about changes in the way it is run.
According to sources, Grenell's departure is also related to the new phase of the building's reconstruction project, while he himself had no plans to stay during the work period.
Trump announced last month that the venue would close in July for two years for "complete construction, revitalization and rebuilding," promising a "spectacular new entertainment complex" and a "grand reopening that will surpass everything that has come before."
The board is expected to approve the closure during its meeting on Monday. Congress has voted $257 million in funding for the reconstruction. One board member, Joyce Beatty, has sued to stop the closure, but legal analysts say the challenges are huge.
Trump has launched a series of projects to leave his mark on the capital, including improving the Rose Garden, building a salon at the White House and an arch called the "Independence Arch" near the National Mall.
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