WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Kennedy Center's board of directors voted on Monday to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations. The board voted to install Matt Floca as CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center.

President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center board meeting at the White House. Trump cited the need for repairs as a reason for the Kennedy Center's closure and said he would close the Kennedy Center to fix what he described as a dilapidated building. "We're going to ensure it remains the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world," Trump said.

Matt Floca replaced Richard Grenell as CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center. Floca had been serving as vice president of operations before his appointment as CEO and executive director. Trump wished Floca good luck with his new position.

Grenell oversaw changes at the Kennedy Center venue that prompted an outcry from many artists and exacerbated the operation's financial challenges. Actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck, and author Louise Penny withdrew from scheduled appearances at the Kennedy Center. Musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned as consultants to the Kennedy Center.

Trump ousted the Kennedy Center's previous leadership shortly after returning to office last year and replaced the Kennedy Center's previous leadership with a hand-picked board of trustees. The hand-picked board of trustees named Trump as chairman of the Kennedy Center. The board announced that the facility had been renamed the Trump Kennedy Center and physically added the president's name to the building's facade.

A federal judge ruled that Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty was entitled to participate in the Kennedy Center board meeting. The judge did not require the Kennedy Center board to permit a vote for Beatty. Beatty attended the Kennedy Center board meeting on Monday.

Floca joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024 during the Biden administration. A center press release described Floca as an experienced facilities management professional with a construction management background and an appreciation for whole building design principles. He previously held positions in the District of Columbia government, including associate director of sustainability and energy and director of facilities management.

Trump praised Grenell as a longtime friend. Grenell served in a variety of capacities during Trump's first term. Trump brought Grenell into the Kennedy Center's leadership.

Grenell warned staff of impending cuts that would leave only skeletal teams. Floca graduated from Louisiana State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management.