Ric Grenell Uncovers $26 Million in ‘Phantom Revenue’ at Kennedy Center
Case Referred for Criminal Investigation Following Financial Review
Richard Grenell, appointed by President Trump to lead the Kennedy Center, revealed the discovery of $26 million in “phantom revenue” during a board dinner at the White House. Calling the discrepancy “fake revenue” and “criminal,” Grenell said the matter would be referred to the U.S. attorney’s office.
The issue was identified during a financial review led by newly appointed chief financial officer Donna Arduin. The investigation followed sweeping changes at the institution, including the removal of Biden-era board members, the ousting of longtime chairman David M. Rubenstein, and Trump naming himself chairman.
Trump criticized the center’s former leadership for pushing divisive political content, saying, “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.”
He also expressed disappointment with the building’s expansion design, pointing to the lack of an open-air venue. “They built these crazy rooms underneath; they built three tiny little stages, very expensive. Someday, maybe somebody will occupy one,” he said.
Story originally reported by The New York Times
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