White House Probes Claim of Missing Millions Destined for Kennedy Center

The White House has launched an investigation into allegations that millions of dollars intended for the Kennedy Center were not deposited as intended under the leadership of Ric Grenell, who previously served as the center's executive director. The claims come from Alina Habba, a former personal attorney for President Trump and former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

Habba informed President Trump on Friday that her husband, Turkish billionaire Turhan Mildon, had made a donation of $5.6 million to the Kennedy Center, which she alleges Grenell failed to process. The President has referred the matter to White House Counsel Will Scharf for a thorough review.

According to an administration official, Grenell allegedly persuaded Mildon in early 2025 to make a $17.6 million wire transfer as part of a business venture. Habba's claim is that $5.6 million of this amount was designated for the Kennedy Center but was never deposited.

Habba, who married Mildon last month, has reportedly provided documentation to the White House counsel's office regarding the donation. The veracity of her claims is currently under scrutiny.

Grenell has vehemently denied the allegations. "Absurd. I've never asked for one cent to be sent somewhere else pretending it was for the Kennedy Center and I've never received any payment from him at all," Grenell stated. He urged that proof be provided for such claims.

While some individuals close to the administration believe Habba's assertions, others express skepticism. One White House official noted they are "very skeptical it's true." Another administration official described Grenell as "crooked" but indicated that current Kennedy Center leadership lacks concrete evidence to support the accusation. A person close to the White House called Grenell "self-destructive" but questioned the likelihood of such an action.

Reports from Axios, which first detailed the allegations, were confirmed by a White House official and another individual familiar with the administration, though their assessment of the claims' accuracy varied.

Previously, Kennedy Center staff had reportedly sought a $6 million contribution from Mildon, but were unable to locate it. However, a former employee involved in handling donations stated they had records only of a $270,000 pledge that was subsequently paid.

The dispute emerges amidst a complex background involving Mildon's business dealings in Venezuela. Grenell had previously acted as a Trump emissary to Venezuelan officials. Mildon's contract to operate state-owned cement plants in Venezuela was reportedly paused after the termination was initially announced, following the Venezuelan interim president's learning of Mildon's relationship with Habba, according to The New York Times.