Workers adjust the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on Dec. 19, 2025 to "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts". Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Kevin Couch, the newly appointed head of artistic programming at the Kennedy Center, has resigned from his post. Couch told The New York Times that he left his position of senior vice president of artistic programming Wednesday, but did not provide a reason for his resignation. The Kennedy Center had announced his hiring on Jan. 16. Jeffrey Finn, who previously held the position and was also executive producer of theater, left his post in September after close to a decade at the arts organization. A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Related Stories News Composer Philip Glass Withdraws Premiere From Kennedy Center Music Renée Fleming Cancels Upcoming Kennedy Center Appearances His resignation comes as several artists have withdrawn programming from the Kennedy Center after its takeover by President Donald Trump, who appointed himself as chair and ousted several prior board members, replacing them with his own picks. The board also voted to rename the institution the Trump Kennedy Center. Philip Glass has withdrawn the premiere of his symphony from the center, and Stephen Schwartz, Issa Rae, Renee Fleming, Hamilton and many more artists have canceled their engagements there.
The Washington National Opera has also moved its shows out of the center. Couch came to the role after serving as director of Programming for ATG Entertainment, where he booked musical, comedy and non-theatrical programming for venues in San Antonio, Tulsa, Little Rock and Springfield. "We are proud to welcome Kevin Couch to the Trump Kennedy Center as we expand our commonsense programming," Kennedy Center President Ambassador Richard Grenell at the time of his hiring announcement. "Kevin brings a clear-eyed approach to curating a roster of compelling shows that invite and inspire all audiences." THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Today Matt Lauer Accuser Details Alleged Rape and Complicated Relationship in New Book Ray J Ray J Says He Only Has Months to Live Following Hospitalization: "2027 Is Definitely a Wrap for Me" Nicki Minaj Nicki Minaj Says Criticism of Her Support for Trump "Actually Motivates Me to Support Him More" sundance 2026 Steph Curry's Directorial Debut Just Won a Short Film Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival Sundance Film Festival Brittney Griner Has a Doc at Sundance. She Thinks It Has Plenty to Say About ICE Actions in Minnesota Kennedy Center Composer Philip Glass Withdraws Premiere From Kennedy Center Today Matt Lauer Accuser Details Alleged Rape and Complicated Relationship in New Book Ray J Ray J Says He Only Has Months to Live Following Hospitalization: "2027 Is Definitely a Wrap for Me" Nicki Minaj Nicki Minaj Says Criticism of Her Support for Trump "Actually Motivates Me to Support Him More" sundance 2026 Steph Curry's Directorial Debut Just Won a Short Film Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival Sundance Film Festival Brittney Griner Has a Doc at Sundance. She Thinks It Has Plenty to Say About ICE Actions in Minnesota Kennedy Center Composer Philip Glass Withdraws Premiere From Kennedy Center