Kennedy Center Initiates Staff Reductions Amid Planned Two-Year Closure
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., started dismissing employees on Thursday, affecting multiple departments. These job cuts are connected to a board-approved plan to temporarily shut down the institution for renovations, a decision influenced by President Donald Trump. Among those let go were executive vice president Nick Meade and vice president Rick Loughery, both appointed by former president Richard Grenell, a Trump ally who was recently replaced by Matt Floca. The layoffs follow a contentious period that began in February 2025 with Trump's move to replace board members, including chairman David Rubenstein, and the renaming of the venue in December 2025, which led to protests and cancellations by artists like composer Philip Glass and the Washington National Opera. Preservation groups have filed a lawsuit to halt the renovation, and further staff reductions are anticipated.
Key facts
- Staff layoffs began on Thursday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
- The cuts are tied to a board-approved two-year closure for renovations starting July 4.
- Among those laid off were executive vice president Nick Meade and vice president Rick Loughery.
- The closure follows a renaming of the venue in December 2025 that sparked protests and artist cancellations.
- Preservation groups have sued to block the renovation, and more layoffs are expected.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Kennedy Center
- Washington National Opera
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
Sources
- ARTnews —