Matt Floca has been named new head of the Kennedy Center, according to President Donald Trump, amid rumblings that president Ric Grenell would be leaving his post.
Floca, the vice president of operations at the Kennedy Center, takes over leadership after Grenell has led the institution through its turbulent past year. The Kennedy Center did not respond to a request for comment. Axios first reported the news of Grenell’s departure.
However, Trump announced the news of Floca’s appointment in a post on Truth Social Friday. Floca takes over the post as the Kennedy Center prepares to be closed for a two-year remodeling period.
“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 where, as Vice President of Operations, Matt has helped us achieve tremendous progress in bringing the Center to the highest level of Excellence!,” the post reads. “A Complete Reconstruction of THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER will begin after the July 4th Celebration, with a scheduled Grand Re-Opening in approximately two years. 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. THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER will be, at its completion, the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Grenell was formerly the U.S. ambassador to Germany and also served as acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first term. He helmed the institution as it overhauled its programming, and brought in new board members who were aligned with Trump, who also named himself as chair.
Under that leadership, the board voted to rename the center The Trump-Kennedy Center, and installed signage to that effect. At the same time, artists have also been pulling their acts and appearances from the center, amid the changes.
