Washington DC - The Kennedy Center recently announced the appointment of its new artistic director amid President Donald Trump's ongoing takeover of the venue.
According to The New York Times, the center's Board of Directors recently tapped Rick Canny, who has served as a consultant to the venue since last year, to be the venue's new artistic director.
The center's executive director informed employees in an email that Canny will counsel him on "artistic strategy, business practices, presenting and talent curation, ticketing and pricing models, media opportunities and programming sponsorships."
Canny is an artist representative who has worked with acts like ZZ Top and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee.
Back in April, Politico reported that several sources claimed Canny was facing scrutiny for making anti-Trump comments in meetings and conversations, including two that claimed he once told them "F*** Trump."
Canny has denied ever saying the expletive, insisting he is there to "restore the grandeur" of the center.
He has also faced scrutiny over his consulting work with the Kennedy Center, as employees have raised concerns about his high fees and expenses.
Canny's appointment comes after Trump last year wiped out the center's board and appointed a handful of MAGA loyalists to help him implement sweeping changes to the venue, such as a bid to rename it the "Trump-Kennedy Center."
The board approved the name change and a two-year closure for renovations, but the plans were challenged in federal court.
Since the judge in the case ruled the name could not be changed without Congressional approval, the venue has remained closed to the public, and Trump has threatened to tear it down if he doesn't get his way.