White House investigates missing Kennedy Center donation claim

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 20:44 · Archive

The White House is investigating allegations that $5.6 million donated to the Kennedy Center went missing under Ric Grenell's leadership.

Alina Habba, President Trump's former personal attorney, accused ex-intelligence director Ric Grenell of failing to deposit $5.6 million donated to the Kennedy Center by her recently married husband, Turkish billionaire Turhan Mildon. Habba raised the allegations during a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday. Trump referred the matter to White House Counsel Will Scharf for investigation, with Habba's claims first reported by Axios.

According to an administration official, Grenell allegedly convinced Mildon in early 2025 to make a $17.6 million wire transfer as part of a business deal between the two men, of which $5.6 million was supposed to go to the Kennedy Center. The official was unaware which company received the funds. Grenell led the Kennedy Center as executive director until March and has been a close Trump ally.

However, scepticism surrounds the allegations. Three sources critical of Grenell told the Post they doubt Habba's claims, with White House officials describing themselves as 'very sceptical it's true'. Another administration official said he views Grenell as 'crooked' but that the Kennedy Center's current leaders lack evidence to substantiate the allegations.

How it is being reported

• Trump's furious phone call over 'missing' $5.6m: Alina Habba accuses MAGA loyalist Richard Grenell of brazen plot to take her billionaire husband's moneyThe president erupted with fury when Alina Habba, his former personal lawyer, sat across from him in the Oval Office and laid out the allegations, White House sources have told the Daily Mail.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 20:32
• White House investigating Alina Habba’s claim that $6 million donation went missing under Ric Grenell’s leadership at Kennedy CenterA bitter feud has erupted among President Trump's close allies as Alina Habba accuses Ric Grenell of failing to deposit millions of dollars donated by her Turkish billionaire husband to the Kennedy Center.New York Post · 14 Oct, 21:15

In this story: Alina Habba · Ric Grenell · Turhan Mildon · Donald Trump · Kennedy Center · White House

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