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Kennedy Center Artistic Programming VP Resigns After Just 12 Days
Resignation comes amid ongoing turmoil and controversies at the Washington, D.C. arts institution
Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:23pm
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Less than two weeks after being hired as the new senior vice president of artistic programming at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Kevin Couch has resigned from the position. Couch's resignation comes during a turbulent time for the Kennedy Center, which has faced numerous controversies and artist cancellations since President Donald Trump was appointed as the center's new chair in 2025.
Why it matters
The Kennedy Center is one of the most prestigious performing arts venues in the United States, and the rapid turnover in its artistic leadership signals deeper issues at the institution. Couch's resignation after just 12 days on the job raises questions about the center's ability to maintain stability and continuity in its programming during a period of significant political and artistic upheaval.
The details
Couch, who previously worked as a talent buyer and artist manager, was announced as the Kennedy Center's new senior VP of artistic programming on January 16, 2026. However, he resigned from the position just 12 days later on January 28. Couch has not provided a reason for his sudden departure. His resignation comes amid a series of controversies at the Kennedy Center, including the dismissal of the center's board of trustees by President Trump in 2025 and the subsequent renaming of the institution to include Trump's name, which prompted further artist cancellations.
- On January 16, 2026, Kevin Couch was announced as the new senior VP of artistic programming at the Kennedy Center.
- On January 28, 2026, Couch resigned from his position at the Kennedy Center, just 12 days after being hired.
The players
Kevin Couch
The former senior VP of artistic programming at the Kennedy Center, who resigned from the position just 12 days after being hired.
Donald Trump
The current chair of the Kennedy Center, appointed by him in 2025 after he dismissed the center's previous board of trustees.
Jeffrey Finn
Couch's predecessor, who was in charge of the Kennedy Center's artistic programming for almost a decade before stepping down in September 2025.
Richard Grenell
The Kennedy Center's interim president, who claimed the center had decided to end its exclusive partnership with the Washington National Opera.
Philip Glass
The composer who canceled the world premiere of his Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln," at the Kennedy Center, citing the center's values being in conflict with the message of the symphony.
What they’re saying
“Having an exclusive Opera was just not financially smart.”
— Richard Grenell, Kennedy Center Interim President
“The values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”
— Philip Glass, Composer
What’s next
The Kennedy Center's board of trustees will likely need to address the ongoing turmoil and instability at the institution, including the search for a new permanent president and artistic leadership.
The takeaway
The rapid turnover in the Kennedy Center's artistic leadership, coupled with the ongoing controversies and artist cancellations, highlight the significant challenges facing the institution as it navigates a politically charged environment under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
