Overview
- President Trump announced Friday that Kennedy Center president Ric Grenell is transitioning out and that Matt Floca, vice president of facilities operations, will take the operational lead pending board approval.
- The change is expected to be taken up at a White House board meeting on Monday, where directors are also set to consider the planned two-year pause in performances.
- Trump has said the venue will close after July 4, 2026 for roughly two years for reconstruction, and he released new exterior renderings of the project.
- Congress previously appropriated about $257 million for renovations, while Trump has floated a cost closer to $200 million.
- A December board vote to add Trump’s name and other changes triggered artist cancellations and staff departures, and Rep. Joyce Beatty has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the closure.