Whitehouse vs. Grenell: Senate Inquiry Targets Kennedy Center Finances and FIFA Deal

Washington — Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has publicly pressed Ric Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center, for detailed records after alleging the performing arts institution has suffered questionable spending and preferential treatment since several allies of former President Donald Trump joined its leadership and he became board chair.

Allegations from Sen. Whitehouse

In a formal letter, Whitehouse accused Grenell of presiding over "millions of dollars in foregone revenue, cancelled programming, unpaid use of its facilities, and wasteful spending on luxury restaurants and hotels," calling the pattern "an unprecedented pattern of self-dealing, favoritism, and waste." He requested extensive documents concerning the Center’s financial management, ethics controls, contractor- and consultant-selection processes, reimbursement policies, and audit protocols.

Grenell’s response

Grenell replied point by point in a post on X, disputing the accusations and defending his tenure. He said the Center entered a balanced budget under his leadership after what he described as unsustainable staffing and spending previously, and that he has implemented a break-even programming policy—programs will only proceed if ticket sales or sponsor/donor funding cover costs.

FIFA event and financial details

Whitehouse alleged the Kennedy Center waived rental fees for FIFA to host a World Cup draw at the venue. The Kennedy Center subsequently said it will receive $7.4 million in connection with the event, including a multi-million-dollar donation from the event organizer plus sponsorship revenue and reimbursement of expenses, rather than simply providing the space for free.

Contracts, hospitality and hotel charges

Whitehouse asked for records tied to contracts he said benefited people connected to Trump or Center leadership. Grenell named several hires and vendors in his public reply—including a multimedia contractor and a high-performing fundraiser he credited with major fundraising gains—and said some costs were fully covered by donors. Regarding meal and beverage spending flagged by the senator, Grenell said those charges were for donor-focused events; he noted the institution’s broader fundraising expenses were substantially larger overall. On hotel stays, Grenell defended charges for short-term accommodations at the adjacent Watergate Hotel as customary for new staff and said related expenses in 2024 were substantially higher than the months Whitehouse cited.

Oversight context and next steps

Whitehouse serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees the Kennedy Center and authorizes federal funding. Because Democrats are the Senate minority, he can request documents but does not currently hold subpoena power; only committee Republicans can issue subpoenas. It remains unclear whether Grenell will provide additional records beyond his public responses.

The Kennedy Center receives a mix of federal and private funding; federal dollars support operations, security, maintenance and capital repairs. The dispute comes as the Center prepares to air its annual honors program later this year.