Richard Grenell under White House investigation for alleged influence peddling

Richard Grenell Donald Trump Turhan Mildon Kennedy Center influence peddling

Donald Trump has ordered the White House Counsel’s Office to investigate Richard Grenell, a close advisor and former special envoy, following allegations of influence peddling. The investigation centers on claims that Grenell promised Turkish businessman Turhan Mildon direct access to the President and VIP event participation in exchange for financial contributions.

According to reports, Mildon allegedly transferred $17.6 million to Texas Armament & Technology (TXAT) in May 2025, following instructions from Grenell. A portion of these funds, approximately $5.6 million to $6 million, was intended as a donation to the Kennedy Center, where Grenell previously served as head. However, records indicate the donation was never received by the institution.

The investigation was prompted after Alina Habba, Mildon’s wife and a former personal attorney to Trump, reportedly confronted the President in the Oval Office on October 9, alleging that Grenell had misappropriated the funds. Financial documents suggest the $17.6 million transfer originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Finance rather than Mildon’s personal accounts, raising further questions regarding the transaction's purpose. Grenell has denied all accusations, calling them “lies” and stating he did not send the incriminating messages.

Entities

Alina Habba · Donald Trump · Kennedy Center · Ric Grenell · Richard Grenell · Rick Grenell · Turhan Milden · Turhan Mildon

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] The $17.6 million was transferred via the Ministry of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. www.iefimerida.gr · ntv.al · www.habermeydan.com · thefaq.gr · www.in4s.net · +1 more
[● 18 SOURCES] Rick Grenell denies sending the disputed text message and rejects the allegations. thefaq.gr · www.reporter.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.in4s.net · ntv.al · +12 more
[● 19 SOURCES] A text message dated May 3, 2025, allegedly shows Grenell offering VIP access and government connections to Turhan Mildon. thefaq.gr · www.reporter.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.in4s.net · nezavisen.mk · +12 more
[DISPUTED] Alina Habba confronted the President in the Oval Office on October 9 regarding the alleged fraud. www.reporter.gr · www.in4s.net · nezavisen.mk · ntv.al · infokosova.net · +6 more
[● 19 SOURCES] Donald Trump ordered the White House Counsel’s Office to investigate Rick Grenell. thefaq.gr · www.reporter.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.in4s.net · nezavisen.mk · +13 more
[● 19 SOURCES] Turhan Mildon transferred $17.6 million to Texas Armament & Technology (TXAT). thefaq.gr · www.reporter.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.in4s.net · nezavisen.mk · +13 more
[● 19 SOURCES] Grenell previously served as the head of the Kennedy Center. thefaq.gr · www.reporter.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · ntv.al · www.in4s.net · +13 more
[● 19 SOURCES] Grenell was appointed by Trump as a special envoy for Venezuela. thefaq.gr · www.reporter.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.in4s.net · nezavisen.mk · +13 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Grenell allegedly promised Mildon direct access to President Trump and VIP event participation. www.dimokratia.gr · ntv.al · www.habermeydan.com · infokosova.net · thefaq.gr · +3 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Donald Trump ordered an immediate investigation into Grenell. www.dimokratia.gr · ntv.al · infokosova.net · thefaq.gr · gazeta10.com · +2 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Approximately $6 million was intended for a donation to the Kennedy Center. www.dimokratia.gr · ntv.al · www.habermeydan.com · infokosova.net · thefaq.gr · +3 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The funds reportedly originated from the Congolese Ministry of Finance. www.dimokratia.gr