{"id":2579649,"date":"2026-03-13T17:32:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T21:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-says-grenell-done-at-kennedy-center-reveals-new-leader\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T17:33:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T21:33:44","slug":"trump-says-grenell-done-at-kennedy-center-reveals-new-leader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-says-grenell-done-at-kennedy-center-reveals-new-leader\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump says Grenell done at Kennedy Center, reveals new leader"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ftrump-says-grenell-done-at-kennedy-center-reveals-new-leader%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2579649&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Washington Examiner reports that Richard grenell, who helped lead and reshape the Kennedy Center under Donald trump, is stepping down, with Matt Floca set to replace him as vice president of facilities operations. Trump and Grenell are expected to attend a White House meeting about the Kennedy Center Board of Directors.<\/p>\n<p>The article notes that the center will close for about two years starting July 4, 2026, to undergo a renovation estimated at at least $200 million, a plan Trump says will elevate the center to new levels.<\/p>\n<p>Grenell\u2019s departure comes amid controversy over the makeover, which Democrats view as an attempt to weaponize the arts for political purposes, while supporters argue the changes are meant to revitalize the institution.The piece also mentions other leadership changes and the departure of the National Symphony Orchestra\u2019s executive director, with officials insisting that Kennedy Center honors will proceed even during the renovation.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the article references Trump\u2019s Truth social posts praising Grenell and places the shake-up in the broader context of his administration\u2019s personnel changes.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Trump says Grenell done at Kennedy Center, announces new leadership<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2493761\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Trump Kennedy Center President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/richard-grenell\/\">Richard Grenell<\/a> is stepping down from his position after overseeing the institution&rsquo;s controversial makeover in President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\">Donald Trump&rsquo;s<\/a> image.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Trump <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/truthsocial.com\/@realDonaldTrump\/posts\/116223780884576729\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/truthsocial.com\/@realDonaldTrump\/posts\/116223780884576729\">announced<\/a> on Friday that Grenell would be succeeded by Matt Floca, the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/kennedy-center\/\">Trump Kennedy Center&rsquo;s <\/a>vice president of facilities operations. A person familiar with the decision confirmed Trump and Grenell are expected to attend Monday&rsquo;s White House meeting for the Trump Kennedy Center Board of Directors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/premium\/4490085\/timothee-chalamet-critiques-not-the-opera\/\">Timothee Chalamet critiques not the opera, but the audiences that have abandoned it<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/premium\/4486158\/film-feminist-frankenstein-review-the-bride\/\">Feminist Frankenstein: Review of The Bride!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/premium\/4486174\/hbo-excellent-medical-propaganda-the-pitt\/\">HBO&rsquo;s excellent medical propaganda<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;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,&rdquo; the president posted on Truth Social.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Grenell is the second Trump appointee in roughly one week to be removed from leadership. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4482026\/trump-ousts-kristi-noem-department-homeland-security-chief-markwayne-mullin-take-place\/\">was fired by Trump <\/a>last Thursday after facing intense congressional scrutiny, including over her approval of a costly ad campaign prominently featuring herself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Before assuming the leadership role at the Kennedy Center, Grenell was a longtime foreign policy adviser to Trump and his &ldquo;special missions&rdquo; envoy. Grenell&rsquo;s departure comes after he led Trump&rsquo;s agenda to revamp the center, plans that included renaming the institution after the president and temporarily closing it for an extensive renovation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At the beginning of February, the president announced that the center would close for about two years for renovations, costing at least $200 million.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur, is to cease Entertainment Operations for an approximately two-year period of time,&rdquo; he <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/truthsocial.com\/@realDonaldTrump\/posts\/115997939705121174\">posted on Truth Social<\/a> last month. &ldquo;Therefore, the Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>On Friday, Trump promised that the &ldquo;TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER will be, at its completion, the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World!&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The changes have provoked criticism from <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/democrats\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"249\">Democrats<\/a>, who have accused the president of trying to weaponize the arts for political purposes. Trump has said the same of his critics, saying the Kennedy Center was overrun by the Left, who politicized the arts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The center has lost prominent supporters, including the executive director of its National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, who announced <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/entertainment\/4484138\/national-symphony-director-kennedy-center-trump\/\">her departure <\/a>last week. Meanwhile, Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) filed a court motion seeking to block the planned closure and renovation of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/beatty-asks-court-to-stop-kennedy-center-closure-and-renovation\/\" title=\"Beatty asks court to stop ... closure and ...\">recently renamed center<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kennedy Center officials have <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4362695\/grenell-1-million-damages-musician-canceled-performance-kennedy-center\/\">defended Trump&rsquo;s changes <\/a>as an effort to revitalize the institution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4475278\/kennedy-center-honors-to-go-forward-through-renovation-closure\/\"><strong>KENNEDY CENTER HONORS TO &lsquo;GO FORWARD&rsquo; EVEN THROUGH RENOVATION CLOSURE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Art is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/grenell-to-seek-1m-after-musician-canceled-show-at-kennedy-center-over-name-change\/\" title=\"... to seek M after musician canceled show at ... over name change\">shared cultural experience meant<\/a> to unite, not exclude,&rdquo; Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, said in December. &ldquo;The Trump Kennedy Center is a true bipartisan institution that welcomes artists and patrons from all backgrounds &mdash; great art transcends politics, and America&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >cultural center remains committed<\/a> to presenting popular programming that inspires and resonates with all audiences.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><em>Christian Datoc contributed to this report.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grenell exits Kennedy Center; Floca to lead<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3142,"featured_media":2579650,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Trump-pause-deportation-flights-scaled.webp?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[6483,75258,75762,3634],"class_list":["post-2579649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-grenell","tag-kennedy-center-2","tag-new-leader-2","tag-trump"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Trump-pause-deportation-flights-scaled.webp?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2579649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2579649"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2579649\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2579653,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2579649\/revisions\/2579653"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2579650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2579649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2579649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2579649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}