Ric Grenell, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, is stepping down from his post as head of the Kennedy Center ahead of the venue’s two-year renovation project, the president announced on Friday. Grenell will be replaced by Matt Floca, vice president of facilities operations at the center , Trump said on Truth Social. “I am pleased to announce that Matt Floca, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, will be named the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, of THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER,” Trump wrote in the post. The president thanked Grenell, who also serves as Trump’s envoy for special missions, for his work at the center. “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,” Trump’s post said. Grenell did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Axios first reported on Grenell’s departure. Trump’s handpicked board voted in December to rename the venue by adding the president’s name. The move drew a legal challenge since the original name was established through congressional legislation that was signed into law. The effort to change the name, which included affixing Trump’s name to the building, also resulted in numerous artists canceling their performances at the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center is set to close for a two-year period beginning in July to undergo renovations. Kennedy Center Feb 1 Kennedy Center to close in July for 2-year renovation, Trump says, after performers' backlash Kennedy Center Dec 19, 2025 Trump's name installed on Kennedy Center without legal approval by Congress ...read more read less