Controversy Surrounds Trump’s Leadership at Kennedy Center Amid Investigation and Financial Concerns
In February 2025, Donald Trump removed Biden-appointed board members of the Kennedy Center and became its chair, appointing Ric Grenell as president. By December 18, 2025, following the White House announcement of an investigation, the Kennedy Center board unanimously voted to rename the institution to The Donald J Trump and the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The name change signage was installed by the following Friday, prompting condemnation from the Kennedy family, who stated that an act of Congress is required to alter the center’s name.
A Senate Environment and Public Works investigation has since alleged cronyism, financial mismanagement, and use of the center as a private club or slush fund benefiting Trump allies, resulting in millions of dollars in losses and a shift away from the center’s statutory mission. Among controversial contracts, the Kennedy Center granted exclusive use for the FIFA World Cup draw from November 24 to December 12, with the White House estimating losses of over $5 million, though Grenell claimed FIFA covered all expenses and paid millions; this claim is disputed by the White House.
Other contracts tied to Grenell’s allies included a $15,000-per-month engagement with a former colleague in April and a $10,833.33-per-month contract for Jeff Halperin, husband of Kari Lake, for social media work in May, both defended by Grenell. Additional spending included $27,185 on Watergate hotel rooms and $10,773.19 on private meals and alcohol between April 21 and July 16. Invoices listed champagne and other luxury items, with associates of Grenell such as Nick Meade and Rick Loughery appearing on the bills.
Financially, the center is reported to be over budget amid declining ticket sales. The White House attributes these losses to leadership changes and programming appealing to MAGA supporters, while center officials suggest the situation is worse than publicly acknowledged. These financial and operational issues are linked to wider culture-war actions, including threats to Smithsonian funding over content concerns.
