Donald Trump loyalist Rick Grenell erupted in a blistering meltdown at X after Kennedy Center staff confirmed sinking sales and exposed embarrassing statistics tied to his leadership.
Grenell, a former diplomat whom President Trump tapped this year to run the Kennedy Center, was released by The Athletic, the sports department of The New York Times, after a steep decline in ticket sales and membership under his tenure. Grenell attacked the outlet, its reporters and a former Kennedy Center official quoted in the piece in his unhinged online tirade.
President Donald Trump controversially led the MAGA takeover at the Kennedy Center. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Reporting by The Athletic documented the upheaval at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the iconic Washington venue where the president launched the MAGA takeover earlier this year. Trump removed 19 members of the historically bipartisan board in February, installing himself as chairman, firing longtime president Deborah Rutter and replacing her with Grenell.
The reporting quoted former dance director Jane Raleigh — who was fired by Grenell in August — as claiming ticket sales were down and membership refund rates were “about 50% below where they should be.”
Grenell responded at X, calling NYT sports reporters “rabid bloggers” who “push leftist propaganda away.” He claimed they were “really mad that FIFA paid the Kennedy Center over $7 million” to host Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw. According to a leaked contract reported by The Athletic, the center granted exclusive use of its concert hall and other spaces to FIFA for a $0 rental fee; Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Darawi said the deal includes $2.4 million in donations and $50 million in “sponsorship opportunities.”
Grenell dismissed Raleigh as a “failed dance programmer” who “traveled the world watching other dance shows” and “expected someone to still pay his salary and travel expenses.” He said he was fired “due to his inability to lead with financial responsibility.” Raleigh told The Athletic that sales have fallen under the new leadership imposed by Trump’s takeover.
Trump appointed Grenell to chair the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Grenell accused the publication’s journalists of being “far-left” fanatics who did not understand “basic budgeting and finance” and argued that arts institutions nationwide were in crisis and “should follow the lead of the changes we’ve made.” He claims the Kennedy Center raised $120 million in nine months with “only 16 people” in its development department. He also claimed to have saved $4 million in employee salaries in one department by firing 78 people.
The Athletic reported that the MAGA acquisition “has alarmed many in the arts community.” Some artists pulled out of shows in protest, and some regular attendees apparently ran away. “It’s sad,” 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 the newly created FIFA “Peace Prize”, which some have called the sport’s version of the Nobel Peace Prize.
FIFA has not said whether or not Trump will receive the inaugural FIFA award. In a statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said it would go to “people who help unite people in peace through unwavering commitment and special actions.”
“In an increasingly unstable and divided world, it is fundamental to recognize the remarkable contributions of those who work hard to end conflict and bring people together in a spirit of peace,” Infantino said. “Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire world football community, this award will recognize the great efforts of those who unite people, who give hope to future generations.”
