October 14, 2026 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing
· Ethics and financial event
Developing
Trump Orders Probe Into Alleged Missing Kennedy Center Donation Amid MAGA Feud
President Trump directed the White House counsel's office to examine allegations that a pledged Kennedy Center donation, said to be worth up to $17 million, never arrived, Axios reported Oct. 14. Former Trump attorney Alina Habba told Trump that Ric Grenell, the Center's former leader, failed to deposit the contribution, made by her husband, Turhan Mildon, in 2025. Grenell called the claim a "lie"; Kennedy Center records show only an unrelated $270,000 pledge, paid this week.
Axios frames the dispute as a feud rooted in a soured Venezuela business friendship. Because the Center is federally chartered and taxpayer-backed, the unresolved claim adds to scrutiny of its finances under Grenell.
The allegations remain unverified; White House counsel has asked for documentation, which had not arrived as of Axios's report.
Axios frames the dispute as a feud rooted in a soured Venezuela business friendship. Because the Center is federally chartered and taxpayer-backed, the unresolved claim adds to scrutiny of its finances under Grenell.
The allegations remain unverified; White House counsel has asked for documentation, which had not arrived as of Axios's report.