Richard Grenell is now a member of Live Nation Entertainment’s Board of Directors. On Tuesday, the organization, currently under investigation by the Department of Justice, announced the addition of the Trump-appointed Kennedy Center President to its Board.
“The power of live performances to bring people together while boosting local economies is transformative,” said Grenell in a press release about the news. “I’m proud to join the board and support Live Nation’s efforts to grow the positive impact of concerts around the world.”
Grenell’s appointment bridges the entertainment company’s top leaders to President Trump as the organization faces a DOJ lawsuit about breaking up Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The Justice Department previously accused the live-music company of “abuse, exploitation, and self-dealing.”
“We are pleased to welcome Ric to our Board,” said Randall Mays, Chairman of the Board of Live Nation Entertainment, in a press release. “His background will bring a valuable perspective as Live Nation continues to contribute to a growing live music industry around the globe.”
Grenell’s appointment follows other companies’ selection of Trump-adjacent figures to their boards: In April, Meta added former Trump national security advisor Patrick Collison.
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After Trump gutted the Kennedy Center and installed himself as chairman, Grenell was appointed to the Kennedy Center. Quickly, DEI initiatives were rolled back by the Trump administration: Several shows, including one concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and a production of Finn, a coming-of-age musical for kids about a young shark who feels different from other sharks, were canceled in the wake of the changes.
“Yes, I cut the DEI bullshit because we can’t afford to pay people for fringe and niche programming that the public won’t support,” Grenell wrote guitarist Yasmin Williams in a response to questions about the effects of Trump on Center. “Yes, I cut the people making over $500k a year because we are in debt. Yes, we are doing programming for the masses in order to pay our bills.”
