Trump Appoints New Kennedy Center Head, Major Renovation Planned

0:00This is Cory, and here's what's making news across the globe right now. President Donald Trump announced that Rick Renell is stepping down as head of the Kennedy Center after just one year on the job. Trump picked Matt Flokka, the center's vice president of facilities operations, to take over. Trump became chairman of the center back in February 2025, and renamed it the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the performing arts. Renell led major changes there that stirred up a lot of controversy. Those shifts caused an exodus of artists, with shows from the Hamilton cast, wicked composers Steven Schwartz, and others canceling. Ticket sales also took a big hit as a result. Now the center is set for a two year shutdown, starting in July for a major renovation. Trump secured more than $250 million for the project, calling it one that will make the venue the best in the world. Flokka joined the staff in January 2024, and brings experience in facilities and construction.

1:01Trump thanked Renell for his transition work, and said Flokka will push the center to new heights of excellence once the border proves him. Support for this Dean and episode comes from our sponsor. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you. A pillow with built-in sound. S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.