Kennedy Center renovations scandal: whistleblower says work was rushed for Trump

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑RI) released a whistle‑blower complaint that alleges the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts carried out a series of rushed renovations to accommodate President Donald Trump’s December televised events, including a FIFA Peace Prize ceremony and the Kennedy Center Honors. The disclosure, submitted by the Government Accountability Project, says the center bypassed standard federal contracting rules, awarded no‑bid contracts – including an $8 million flooring contract to a firm with no concert‑hall experience – and performed cosmetic work that is already deteriorating. Reported problems include steel columns that are rusting through fresh paint, a reflecting pool that may need to be rebuilt, and a newly installed bathroom floor that was torn out after Trump objected to the tile colour. Whitehouse claims the projects cost taxpayers millions, treating the national memorial as a private renovation, and has asked the center’s executive director for documents and answers by July 23. The Kennedy Center has denied the allegations, while courts have previously ordered the removal of Trump’s name from the building and barred his attempt to close the venue.