Richard Grenell, acting president of the Kennedy Center and President Donald Trump ally, has been elected to Live Nation Entertainment’s Board of Directors.
The announcement, issued on Tuesday, comes as chief executive Michael Rapino continues to navigate regulatory landmines with the potential to blow up the company. Under Trump, the Department of Justice hasn’t abandoned a lawsuit that looks to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster. In a separate inquiry, federal prosecutors are also looking into whether the company and AEG Presents colluded in violation of antitrust laws on refund policies for canceled concerts during the early days of the pandemic in 2020.
The appointment of Grenell to the board gives Live Nation a direct pathway to Trump’s ear. Trump wields power of dealmaking and regulatory matters atypical of previous administrations. There’s the belief that there’s more value in having his phone number or knowing someone who does than with prior presidents.
“The power of live performances to bring people together while boosting local economies is transformative,” said Grenell in a statement. “I’m proud to join the board and support Live Nation’s efforts to grow this positive impact of concerts around the world.”
Grenell has served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany and acting director of National Intelligence — both under Trump. He’s currently the presidential envoy for special missions and oversees operations and programming at the Kennedy Center.
In a statement, Randall Mays, chairman of Live Nation’s board, stressed that Grenell’s background will “bring a valuable perspective as Live Nation continues to contribute to a growing live music industry around the globe.”
In April, Meta named Patrick Collison, who served as deputy National Security Advisor to Trump and is married to a Republican Senator, to its board.
