**Kevin Couch Resigns from Kennedy Center in Less Than a Week Amid MAGA Backlash**
Key Takeaways:
- Kevin Couch resigned from the Kennedy Center just days after being appointed as Senior VP of Artistic Programming.
- The institution has been mired in controversy and cancellations following its Trump-led restructuring and rebranding.
- High-profile artists and organizations are distancing themselves from the now-politicized cultural landmark.
Washington, D.C. — The Kennedy Center is trending after newly appointed artistic programming chief Kevin Couch abruptly resigned less than a week into his role. Appointed on January 16, 2026, Couch confirmed his resignation to The Washington Post on January 22, fueling a surge in online searches and widespread public scrutiny of the institution’s recent political transformation.
Rapid Departure Raises Eyebrows Amid Political Tensions
The Kennedy Center officially announced Couch’s appointment less than a week prior to his exit, promoting him as a key player in expanding the center’s “commonsense programming” under the leadership of Trump-appointed President Richard Grenell. Couch, who previously booked major touring acts for venues in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri through ATG Entertainment, was expected to lead artistic direction at what the release referred to as “the Trump Kennedy Center.”
Couch’s name has swiftly disappeared from the Kennedy Center’s executive leadership page, and he has issued no formal reason for his resignation. The sudden reversal comes amidst an ongoing struggle by the center to restore its public image and fill seats, a challenge that has deepened as longstanding artists and institutions sever ties with the cultural flagship.
The Trump Rebrand Backfires for U.S. Cultural Institution
The Kennedy Center has faced sustained backlash since its controversial realignment under former President Donald Trump, who—without congressional approval—renamed the landmark as the “Trump Kennedy Center” earlier in February. Cultural leaders and artists were outraged by what they see as a MAGA-fication of an institution long considered politically neutral and artistically diverse.
High-profile withdrawals have plagued the center in recent weeks. Grammy-winning soprano Renée Fleming canceled appearances citing a “scheduling conflict”; the Martha Graham Dance Company later scrapped its April performance without explanation. Most notably, the Washington National Opera ended its five-decade residency on the grounds of creative and ethical differences with the new leadership.
In a heavily criticized social media post on Truth Social, Trump attempted to deflect responsibility, writing, “People don’t realize that The Trump Kennedy Center suffered massive deficits for many years and, like everything else, I merely came in to save it and, if possible, make it far better than ever before!”
Political Theater Overshadows Performing Arts
Amid the chaos, the Kennedy Center has struggled to project stability. With many top artists pulling out and public dissent mounting, leadership has leaned into overtly partisan programming. Among recent bookings: Trump’s hosting of the reimagined Kennedy Center Honors, the upcoming screening of Melania Trump’s documentary “Melania,” and the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw hosted in December.
The recent uptick in Google searches for “Kennedy” reflects both public confusion and concern over the once-prestigious venue’s new direction. Formerly a venue for bipartisan arts and cultural programming, it risks turning into a partisan platform at odds with its original mission. Industry insiders have warned that the dramaturgical talent drain could spell long-term damage for the Kennedy Center’s viability and legacy.
What Lies Ahead for the Kennedy Center?
Given the center’s mounting public relations troubles and its declining ticket sales, Kevin Couch’s resignation after mere days further signals deep internal instability. With his exit, future programming remains in limbo, heightening uncertainty over what performers—and audiences—will support the embattled institution.
Upcoming events, including the Thursday premiere of the Melania Trump documentary, serve as bellwethers for how effectively the center can maintain interest amid ideological reshaping. Industry observers predict that unless the Kennedy Center regains its footing as an apolitical space for artistry, it risks fading into cultural irrelevance despite its long-standing national significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is “kennedy” trending?
A: The Kennedy Center is trending due to the abrupt resignation of Kevin Couch as its Senior Vice President of Artistic Programming and the ongoing controversy surrounding the institution’s Trump-driven transformation.
Q: What happens next?
A: The Kennedy Center will premiere a documentary about Melania Trump this Thursday, which could provide insight into the institution’s future artistic direction.
#KennedyCenter
