President Trump’s appointee to lead the Kennedy Center, Richard Grenell, announced that a recent financial review uncovered $26 million in “phantom revenue” over the past two years. Speaking to board members during a dinner in the White House State Dining Room, Grenell described the discovery as “fake revenue,” calling it criminal and saying the matter would be referred to the U.S. attorney’s office.
The discrepancy was found during a budget review led by the center’s newly installed chief financial officer, Donna Arduin. Trump assumed control of the Kennedy Center after removing Biden-era board members, ousting longtime chairman David M. Rubenstein, and installing himself as chairman. He has sharply criticized the institution for advancing political narratives under previous leadership.
“Instead of putting forward programming that tears our country down and tears our country apart, the Kennedy Center should be the nation’s premier venue for lifting up the best of our country and lifting up the American arts, theater, music and culture,” Trump said.
He also expressed frustration with the design and structure of the center itself. “They didn’t do that,” he said of earlier plans for an open-air performing venue. “They built these crazy rooms underneath; they built three tiny little stages, very expensive. Someday, maybe somebody will occupy one.”
