Trump replaces head of troubled Kennedy Center

Mr Richard Grenell will be replaced by Mr Matt Floca, the current vice-president of facilities at the centre. Read more at straitstimes.com.

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump announced on March 13 the replacement of the head of the Kennedy Center, the storied Washington arts venue he renamed after himself then closed for two years for refurbishment.

Mr Richard Grenell, an ally and former ambassador from Mr Trump’s first term, oversaw major changes at the centre to clear out what the Republican leader called “woke” ideology.

“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,” Mr Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Mr Grenell will be replaced by Mr Matt Floca, the current vice-president of facilities at the centre, whose official biography says he has a background in construction management and real estate.

The outgoing Mr Grenell has also served as a special envoy for Mr Trump on Venezuela, where he was involved in negotiations for the the release of several detained Americans.

In that role, Mr Grenell pushed for engagement with then-president Nicolas Maduro – but lost out to hawks in the administration, and Maduro was captured by US special forces on Jan 3.