Richard Grenell is stepping down from John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after a year of chaos and after it was announced that the institution would be closed on July 5 for two years.

Matt Floca will replace Grenell.

Preside Donald J. Trump announced the news stating, “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! 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.” 

The news comes as the only real performing arts organization still performing at the Kennedy Center is the National Symphony orchestra. Since the Trump Takeover, major artists have resigned or canceled performances. Among them are Hollywood actress Issa Rae; Stephen Schwartz, writer of the box office juggernaut “Wicked;” the Tony Award winning box office smash hit, “Hamilton;” five-time Grammy-winner Renée Fleming; Grammy and Oscar nominee Philip Glass; famed Jazz player Chuck Redd; two-time Grammy-winner Rhiannon Giddens; and Gregory Spears, writer of the critically acclaimed opera “Fellow Travelers.” The Washington National Opera and Vocal Arts DC, bedrocks of the cultural institution, have also pulled out of the Center.