Kevin Couch has resigned from his position as the head of artistic programming at the Trump Kennedy Center, less than two weeks after his appointment was announced on January 16, 2025. In statements to the Washington Post and New York Times, Couch confirmed his departure but did not disclose the reasons behind his decision. Representatives for the Trump Kennedy Center did not respond to requests for comment.
Couch’s resignation follows a challenging period for the D.C. arts institution. His predecessor, Jeffrey Finn, left the center in September 2025 after nearly a decade of overseeing its touring Broadway shows and locally produced musicals. Finn’s exit marked a significant change in leadership, which Couch’s quick departure now compounds.
Controversy Surrounding the Renaming
The Trump Kennedy Center has been embroiled in controversy since the announcement of its new name, formally titled “The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” This change has drawn criticism, with legal experts arguing that a 1964 federal law prohibits altering the center’s original name, “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.” This law explicitly forbids the board of trustees from adding any additional names to the building’s exterior.
In the wake of the renaming announcement, several prominent artists, including Philip Glass, Renée Fleming, and a production of Hamilton, have canceled their scheduled performances at the center. The backlash reflects the broader discontent within the arts community regarding the center’s new identity.
Couch joined the Trump Kennedy Center as senior vice president of artistic programming, bringing over two decades of experience in artist management and global booking. In the announcement of his appointment, the organization described him as a “visionary entertainment leader.” Couch expressed enthusiasm for his role, stating, “I am honored to join the Trump Kennedy Center at such a pivotal moment for the performing arts. I look forward to the extraordinary creative possibilities ahead—championing our artists and partners to deliver meaningful experiences at America’s cultural center.”
Before his tenure at the Trump Kennedy Center, Couch served as the director of programming for ATG Entertainment, where he oversaw a portfolio of venues across the United States, including locations in San Antonio, Tulsa, and Little Rock. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in booking high-profile artists such as Carlos Santana, Diana Ross, and Nate Bargatze. Additionally, Couch has managed the careers of various national touring acts, most notably the ’90s R&B group Color Me Badd.
Looking Ahead
Couch’s resignation adds to the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Trump Kennedy Center. The organization faces a critical moment as it navigates the implications of its controversial renaming and seeks to restore confidence among artists and audiences alike. The future direction of the center remains unclear, and it will be crucial for its leadership to address the ongoing concerns within the artistic community.
As the arts center moves forward, it will need to consider how to reconcile its identity with the expectations of artists and patrons while fostering a vibrant cultural environment.
