Ric Grenell to step down as head of the Trump Kennedy Center

President Donald Trump announced Friday afternoon that his ally Ric Grenell will step down as the executive director of the Trump Kennedy Center and will be replaced by Matt Floca pending board approval.

Trump tapped Grenell for the role last year and today's move comes as the president seeks to make major changes to the performing arts center, including a two-year closure for renovations that will begin this summer.

"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," Trump posted on Truth Social. 

"As Vice President of Operations, Matt has helped us achieve tremendous progress in bringing the Center to the highest level of excellence," he continued. "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," Trump added.

The change comes after a tumultuous year for the center, which saw the board add the president's name to the venue, prompting major backlash and an exodus of some of the center's staples, including the Washington National Opera.