Floyd Brown, a pro-Trump executive at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, has been dismissed from his role at Washington’s premier theater and cultural institution. The decision came after CNN raised questions about Brown’s history of making anti-LGBTQ+ remarks. Brown, who has previously called homosexuality a ‘punishment’ upon America and described same-sex marriage as a ‘godless’ hoax, accused the Kennedy Center’s president, Richard Grenell — a close ally of former President Donald Trump — of preemptively firing him due to his Christian beliefs on marriage.
On social media, Brown claimed he was asked to ‘recant your belief in traditional marriage’ and refused, leading to his dismissal before the CNN article was published. He alleged that Grenell, who is gay and a practicing Christian, was ‘intimidated’ by CNN and acted out of fear to align with the president’s views. Brown has asked for an explanation and the opportunity to speak with Grenell, but these requests remain unanswered. The Kennedy Center has not provided any immediate response to the situation.
These events come against the backdrop of the Kennedy Center’s transformation under Trump’s presidency, which included replacing its leadership, reshaping the board of trustees, and appointing loyal supporters. The Center also faced backlash from artists who canceled appearances due to its ideological alignment with Trump’s policies. Brown’s dismissal has reignited discussions about the intersection of personal beliefs, artistic freedom, and institutional loyalty.
Brown, a long-time conservative activist, has been associated with organizations such as Citizens United, the Young America’s Foundation, and The Western Journal. His dismissal highlights the ongoing tensions within cultural and political institutions as they navigate public scrutiny and ideological pressures.