Trump's new Kennedy Center hire quits after less than 2 weeks on the job

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend "Les Miserables" opening night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura

One new high-ranking staffer at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is now resigning from his role just weeks after his hire was announced.

On January 16, the Kennedy Center announced that Kevin Couch would be the new senior vice president of artistic programming at the vaunted institution. The Kennedy Center also announced Couch's new role on its official X account on January 22. However, the Washington Post reported Wednesday that Couch submitted his resignation less than a week later.

While Couch confirmed his resignation to the Post on Wednesday, he didn't issue any further comment explaining the reason for his sudden departure.

Prior to his 12-day stint at the Kennedy Center, Couch worked at his Dallas, Texas-based branding agency, CBC Creative. Before founding CBC Creative, Couch managed popular R&B acts, including 1990s group Color Me Badd. According to the Kennedy Center's press release announcing his hire, Couch "oversaw all aspects of business operations, including booking, licensing, staffing, and strategic consulting."

Couch also worked venue management agency ATG Entertainment, and booked major acts in San Antonio, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma and Springfield, Missouri. He reportedly booked marquee performers including Diana Ross, Carlos Santana and comedian Nate Bargatze.

"I am honored to join the Trump Kennedy Center at such a pivotal moment for the performing arts," Couch said in the release. "I look forward to the extraordinary creative possibilities ahead — championing our artists and partners to deliver meaningful experiences at America’s cultural center."

Couch's sudden exit comes on the heels of world-renowned composers and performers boycotting the Kennedy Center in response to President Donald Trump's takeover of the institution — including putting his own name above former President John F. Kennedy's on the building's facade. Earlier this week, award-winning composer Philip Glass announced he was joining the boycott, which has also been supported by musician Bela Fleck, Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, soprano singer Renee Fleming and others.

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