Whistleblowers have alleged that renovations at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts were rushed and federal contracting laws were ignored to prepare for events including Donald Trump receiving the FIFA 'peace prize' during the World Cup draw in December, according to a letter from US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
Whistleblower Allegations Detailed
The Rhode Island Democrat wrote that the allegations stem from a whistleblower disclosure submitted by the Government Accountability Project, conveying firsthand accounts of multiple former center project managers, supported by documents and photographs. The disclosure describes conduct sharply at odds with procurement standards and representations made to Congress.
Among the claims are that a cosmetic revamp of the center's Reflecting Pool is already rusting and peeling and will need to be fully rebuilt, and that Trump's preferred contractor cut corners repainting columns, leaving taxpayers with the repair bill. Additionally, an $8 million no-bid flooring contract went to a firm with no concert-hall experience, and the center tore out a brand-new bathroom floor because Trump disliked the color.
Senator's Response
'Instead of pursuing renovations tailored to the building's actual needs, the Center rushed a series of renovations driven by the President's aesthetic whims and his desire to star in a series of televised events in December,' Whitehouse said. He added that the center's subservience to Trump's desires and corner-cutting contracting practices have resulted in rusting steel columns, a reflecting pool that may need rebuilding, and a torn-out bathroom floor over an offending tile color. 'This is waste, and it treats a national memorial to President Kennedy as if it were a private renovation project.'
Whitehouse requested documents and answers from the center's executive director by 23 July.
Center and White House Responses
The Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but earlier defended its practices, saying it operates with rigorous financial oversight. 'As America's cultural center, the institution makes every decision guided by responsible stewardship and an unwavering commitment to its patrons and the nation it proudly serves,' said Roma Daravi, a spokesperson and former White House staffer under Trump.
The White House also did not respond, but a spokesperson accused previous leadership of neglect. 'President Trump did what Democrats wouldn't. After decades of neglect, he committed the bold leadership and proper resources to fix the Kennedy Center and start the renovations of the finest performing arts facility in the world.'
Congressional Funding
Last year, Trump secured $257 million from Congress for repairs and restoration. Representative Rick Larsen, senior Democrat on the House infrastructure committee, said the allegations are serious and concerning. 'The Board of Trustees have the opportunity to focus on addressing these allegations and ensuring the $257 million Congress approved for renovations are used for legitimate, necessary repairs instead of cosmetic nickel and dime fixes that don't last.'
