Washington Politics and Governance

The Kennedy Center board, meeting at the White House hosted by President Trump, voted to close the center on July 6 for roughly two years to carry out a $257 million renovation and formally installed Matt Floca as CEO/executive director as Ric Grenell steps down. The move — promoted by Trump as a “complete reconstruction” — has drawn legal challenges from ex‑officio members like Rep. Joyce Beatty, criticism from Sen. Mark Warner, and widespread arts‑community backlash including artist cancellations, staff departures and the Washington National Opera severing ties.