Trump Replaces Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell

Controversial tenure ends as Grenell is replaced by Matt Floca, VP of facilities operations.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:08pm

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President Trump announced on social media that Richard Grenell, the former ambassador to Germany who Trump appointed as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts more than a year ago, is stepping down. Grenell will be replaced by Matt Floca, the vice president of facilities operations at the center.

Why it matters

Grenell's tenure as Kennedy Center president was marked by controversy, including Trump firing the center's board, renaming it the 'Trump-Kennedy Center', and Grenell's combative approach with artists who criticized the center's decisions. His replacement signals a potential shift in the center's leadership and direction.

The details

Change has been constant at the Kennedy Center since Trump took over. After firing the board, Trump appointed Grenell as interim executive director, a post he held until now. Grenell was known for not granting interviews to press he deemed unfriendly and instead speaking only to right-leaning news organizations.

  • In early February 2025, Trump fired the Kennedy Center's board.
  • A week later, Trump appointed Grenell as interim executive director.
  • In late 2025, Trump announced the board had voted to rename the venue the 'Trump-Kennedy Center'.
  • In early January 2026, the Washington National Opera announced it would leave the center.

The players

Richard Grenell

The former ambassador to Germany who Trump appointed as president of the Kennedy Center more than a year ago.

Matt Floca

The vice president of facilities operations at the Kennedy Center, who will replace Grenell.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who fired the Kennedy Center's board and appointed Grenell as president.

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What they’re saying

“'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, President of the United States (Truth Social)

What’s next

The Kennedy Center is set to undergo a two-year closure for renovations, after which Trump says it will be 'the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World!'

The takeaway

Grenell's controversial tenure as Kennedy Center president ends as Trump replaces him with a new leader, signaling potential changes ahead for the renowned arts institution as it undergoes renovations and a leadership transition.