In a significant leadership shakeup at one of America’s premier cultural institutions, Richard Grenell has resigned from his position as head of the recently renamed Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The former U.S. ambassador to Germany, known for his close affiliation with President Donald Trump, departs after a year marked by substantial organizational changes, artist withdrawals, and declining attendance figures.
President Trump announced the transition via his Truth Social platform, revealing that Matt Floca, the center’s current vice-president of facilities operations, would assume leadership responsibilities. Floca, who joined the institution in January 2024 during the Biden administration, brings extensive experience in facilities and construction management to the role.
The leadership change occurs as the iconic performing arts venue prepares for an extensive two-year renovation project commencing in July. President Trump has secured over $250 million in funding for the reconstruction, frequently criticizing the center’s physical condition while promising to create “the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World.”
The administration’s relationship with the cultural institution has been complex since Trump’s return to the White House. Shortly beginning his second term, the president installed himself as chairman of the center after replacing several board members with political allies. This reconstituted board subsequently approved the institution’s controversial renaming in December, despite legal questions regarding the necessity of congressional approval for such changes.
Under Grenell’s tenure, the center experienced significant programming shifts, with Trump criticizing previous offerings as excessively “woke.” This stance led to performance cancellations by prominent artists including the cast of Hamilton, composer Stephen Schwartz of Wicked fame, and Doug Varone and the Dancers.
Once confirmed by the center’s board of directors, Floca will oversee the massive renovation project while managing the institution’s ongoing operational challenges during this transitional period.