Exclusive: Ric Grenell departing as Kennedy Center head

Axios
by Alex Isenstadt
March 13, 2026
2 views
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Ric Grenell is stepping down as head of the renamed Trump Kennedy Center.

How This Affects You

The Kennedy Center will close for two years starting July for renovations funded by your tax dollars.

AI Summary

Ric Grenell will step down Monday as president of the Kennedy Center, which was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center in December, and be succeeded by Matt Floca, the vice president of facilities operations. The leadership change comes as the venue prepares for a two-year shutdown beginning in July for renovations funded by $257 million from Congress. The transition will be announced at a White House board meeting Monday that President Trump is expected to attend.

What's Being Done

Matt Floca will replace Grenell as the center prepares for $257 million in congressional renovations.

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