Donald Trump loyalist Ric Grenell had a violent meltdown on X after a fired Kennedy Center staffer confirmed a sharp drop in sales and exposed embarrassing figures related to his leadership.
Grenell, a former diplomat appointed by President Trump this year to run the Kennedy Center, spoke out on X after The New York Times’ sports arm The Athletic detailed a sharp decline in ticket sales and subscriptions during his tenure. In his unhinged online tirade, Grenell attacked the outlet, its reporters and former Kennedy Center officials cited in the article.
President Donald Trump spearheaded the controversial “MAGA” acquisition of the Kennedy Center. /Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The Athletic’s reporting documented the riots at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the iconic Washington venue where the president launched his “Make America Great Again” takeover earlier this year. Trump in February ousted 19 members of the historically bipartisan board and made himself chairman, firing longtime President Deborah Rutter and appointing Grenell to replace her.
The report quoted former dance director Jane Rowley, who Grenell fired in August, as saying ticket sales were down and subscription returns were “about 50% down from where they should be.”
Grenell responded on X, calling New York Times sportswriters “woke bloggers” who “push far-left propaganda.” He claimed they were “very angry that FIFA paid the Kennedy Center more than $7 million to host Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw”. According to a leaked contract reported by The Athletic, the center granted FIFA exclusive use of its concert hall and other spaces for $0 in rent; the deal included a $2.4 million donation and “sponsorship opportunities” worth $5 million, Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi said.
Grenell dismissed Rowley as a “failed dance programmer” who “travels the world to other dance shows” and “expects her salary and travel expenses to still be paid for by someone.” He said she was fired “due to inability to meet financial responsibilities.” Rowley told The Athletic that sales have dropped significantly under new leadership since Trump took office.
Trump appointed Gurnell as chairman of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. /Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Grenell went on to accuse the publication’s reporters of being “far left” radicals who don’t understand “basic budgeting and finance,” arguing that arts institutions across the country are in crisis and should “follow the changes we’re making.” He claims that the Kennedy Center raised $120 million in nine months and had “only 16 people” in its development department. He also claimed he saved $4 million in employee wages in one department by laying off 78 employees.
According to The Athletic , MAGA’s acquisition “shocked many in the arts community.” Some artists quit the show in protest, and some regulars stayed away. “It’s a tragedy,” one longtime guest told the publication.
The Daily Beast has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment.
Meanwhile, the World Cup draw will include FIFA’s new “Peace Prize,” which some are calling sports’ version of the Nobel Peace Prize.
FIFA has not yet revealed whether Trump will receive the inaugural FIFA award. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement that the prize would be awarded to “individuals who help unite people for peace through their unwavering commitment and extraordinary actions.”
“In a world that is increasingly volatile and divided, it is vital to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work to end conflicts and bring people together in the spirit of peace,” Infantino said. “Football represents peace and this award, on behalf of the entire global football community, will recognize the tremendous efforts of those who unite people and give hope to future generations.”