Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has launched an investigation into alleged cronyism and misuse of funds at the Kennedy Center under the leadership of Ambassador Ric Grenell. Documents obtained by committee Democrats reportedly show significant financial losses, luxury expenditures, and preferential treatment for political allies connected to former President Donald Trump.
“Contracts, invoices, and facility use agreements reveal that you operate the Center for the enrichment of your friends and acquaintances, to dole out political favors, and as a playground for the President of the United States and his allies,” Whitehouse wrote in a letter addressed to Grenell. “The Center is being looted to the tune of millions of dollars in foregone revenue, cancelled programming, unpaid use of its facilities, and wasteful spending on luxury restaurants and hotels—an unprecedented pattern of self-dealing, favoritism, and waste.”
According to the documents cited by Whitehouse’s office, several practices are under scrutiny:
- The Kennedy Center allegedly provided steeply discounted event rentals to organizations with political connections to Trump.
- Tens of thousands of dollars were spent on luxury hotel stays, expensive meals, and entertainment for friends and new staff members.
- Work contracts were reportedly given to personal associates at substantial monthly costs.
- The Kennedy Center allowed FIFA free use of its facilities for an event, which led to over $5 million in lost revenue.
These findings come as the Kennedy Center faces declining ticket sales and increasing budget challenges. The institution is experiencing financial difficulties due to reduced attendance at events.
Whitehouse expressed concern that these actions violate fiduciary responsibilities: “Taken together, these actions display a profound disregard for fiduciary responsibility, established financial controls, and the governance of the Kennedy Center. Neither the Center’s enabling legislation nor appropriate fiduciary management allow the President of the United States or the President of the Center to unilaterally enter into zero-dollar use agreements, extend substantial discounts to politically affiliated entities, or disburse funds for personal or political purposes. These actions betray the purpose set forth by Congress, allowing the Center to become a swamp for cronyism and self-dealing,” he continued.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has requested detailed information about financial management practices at the Kennedy Center under Grenell’s leadership. This includes policies governing expenses, contracts awarded since February 2025 with ties to current leadership or their associates, justification for such expenditures or agreements—including those related to FIFA—and any changes in donor support during this period.
Whitehouse’s letter also outlines concerns about how these activities may impact public trust in one of Washington's leading cultural institutions. He has asked Grenell to provide documentation by December 4 regarding internal procedures on contracting, expense approval processes, audits conducted during his tenure, records related to major donors who have withdrawn support since February 2025, as well as details on fundraising strategies implemented under current leadership.
The investigation highlights ongoing questions about oversight at federally funded institutions during periods of political transition.
