Kennedy Center Boss Clashes With Opera Director Over Trump Criticism

Richard Grenell demanded the firing of Washington National Opera's Francesca Zambello after her interview criticizing the politicization of the Kennedy Center under Trump's leadership.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Richard Grenell, the executive director of the Kennedy Center appointed by former President Trump, reportedly contacted the Washington National Opera board demanding that artistic director Francesca Zambello be disciplined or fired over her critical comments about the politicization of the Kennedy Center under the Trump administration in an interview with The Guardian. While the opera board declined to dismiss Zambello, they were willing to discuss the opera's potential departure from the Kennedy Center as Trump moves forward with a $200 million renovation plan that has surprised even his own administration.

Why it matters

The clash between Grenell and Zambello highlights the growing tensions between the Trump-aligned leadership at the Kennedy Center and the artistic community, with the opera director's comments reflecting broader concerns about the politicization of the renowned performing arts institution under the former president's influence.

The details

In the Guardian interview, Zambello said she had heard from loyal audience members who were appalled by the Kennedy Center continuing to host the Washington National Opera amid the Trump administration's takeover of the venue. She noted that ticket sales had dropped to 60% of capacity and donations had decreased as a result. Grenell reportedly contacted the opera board immediately after the interview was published, demanding that Zambello be disciplined or fired. While the board declined to dismiss Zambello, whom they consider "irreplaceable", they were willing to discuss the opera's potential departure from the Kennedy Center as Trump moves forward with a $200 million renovation plan.

  • In November 2026, Francesca Zambello's interview with The Guardian was published.
  • Shortly after the interview was published, Richard Grenell contacted the Washington National Opera board.
  • In January 2026, Grenell announced plans to end the National Opera's relationship with the Kennedy Center.

The players

Richard Grenell

The executive director of the Kennedy Center, appointed by former President Donald Trump.

Francesca Zambello

The artistic director of the Washington National Opera.

Washington National Opera

The opera company that has been based at the Kennedy Center since the venue opened in 1971.

Kennedy Center

The renowned performing arts institution in Washington, D.C. that is undergoing a $200 million renovation under the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who appointed Richard Grenell to lead the Kennedy Center.

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What they’re saying

“They say things like: 'I'm never setting foot in there until the 'orange menace' is gone.' Or: 'Don't you know history? Don't you know what Hitler did? I refuse to give you a penny.'”

— Francesca Zambello, Artistic Director, Washington National Opera (The Guardian)

“Donor confidence has been shattered because many people feel: 'If I give to the Kennedy Center, I'm supporting Donald Trump.'”

— Francesca Zambello, Artistic Director, Washington National Opera (The Guardian)

“My first thought remains I consider this whole situation just so sad and tragic. But I'm glad we had a plan, and I think we're now better positioned to weather this move.”

— Daniel Glaser, Board Member, Washington National Opera (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The Washington National Opera is in discussions with the Kennedy Center board about potentially departing the venue as the $200 million renovation plan moves forward under the Trump administration's leadership.

The takeaway

The clash between the Kennedy Center's Trump-appointed leadership and the artistic director of the Washington National Opera highlights the growing tensions between the political and cultural spheres, with the politicization of the renowned performing arts institution threatening to alienate its loyal audience and donor base.