WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ric Grenell is stepping down as head of the Kennedy Center and will be replaced by Matt Floca, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social. A meeting of the Kennedy Center's board of directors is scheduled for Monday at the White House to finalize Grenell's departure and Floca's appointment.

"Ric Grenell has done an excellent job in helping to co-ordinate various elements of the Center during the transition period, and I want to thank him for the outstanding work he has done," Trump said in his announcement. Grenell previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany.

Matt Floca, currently vice-president of facilities operations at the Kennedy Center, will take over the leadership role after board confirmation. Floca joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024 and has a background in facilities and construction management. After confirmation by the board of directors, Floca will oversee the renovation project at the Kennedy Center.

The Kennedy Center will close this summer for a two-year renovation starting in July. Trump secured more than $250 million in funding to rebuild the Kennedy Center. "THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER will be, at its completion, the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World!" Trump said.

Shortly after beginning his second presidential term, Trump removed several members of the Kennedy Center's board of directors and replaced them with his allies. The Kennedy Center's board of directors voted to make Trump chairman of the institution. In December, the board renamed the institution the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, and new signage reflecting the name change was installed on the building's exterior the following day.

The musical "Hamilton" canceled scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center, along with Wicked composer Steven Schwartz and the dance company Doug Varone and Dancers. Actor Issa Rae and author Louise Penny withdrew from scheduled appearances, while musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned from their consulting roles.

Recent events at the Kennedy Center have included FIFA President Gianni Infantino holding the World Cup draw there in December at Trump's invitation. Trump also hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, becoming the first president to do so, and addressed House Republicans at the facility. A documentary about First Lady Melania Trump premiered at the Kennedy Center.