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Kennedy Center’s new programming head resigns days after hire was announced
Kevin Couch resigned without explanation amid artist cancellations and leadership turmoil following the Kennedy Center's controversial renaming under President Trump.
- On Wednesday, Kevin Couch resigned as Senior Vice President of Artistic Programming less than two weeks after his January 16 appointment was announced, and he declined to provide a reason, Couch confirmed to The Washington Post.
- The resignation comes amid a string of high-profile departures and cancellations at the center, including the Washington National Opera ending its five-decade residency earlier this month and Philip Glass, composer, withdrawing a premiere earlier this week.
- Under President Donald Trump, the center has struggled to fill seats and attract top performers, leaning on presidential events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw and premiering Melania Trump's documentary, Melania.
- Couch's name has been removed from the Kennedy Center's webpage, and outlets including The Daily Beast have sought comment after his Jan. 22 X hiring post drew coverage from The New York Times.
- Multiple cancellations this month point to widening risks for ticket sales and future bookings as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts leans on programming tied to the president and family.
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·United States
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Kennedy Center artistic director resigns after less than 2 weeks
WASHINGTON — The head of artistic programming at the Kennedy Center abruptly stepped away from his post less than two weeks after he was named to the job in the latest sign of turmoil at the iconic performing arts venue.
·Syracuse, United States
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Total News Sources46
Leaning Left13Leaning Right5Center18Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 36%
C 50%
14%
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