# White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/white-house-investigation-into-kennedy-center-donation
> Updated: 2026-10-18T18:16:03.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

The White House has launched an investigation into a dispute between prominent Trump associates Richard Grenell and Alina Habba Mildon regarding a missing donation intended for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Habba Mildon, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, alleged that a significant portion of a business transaction involving her husband, Turkish businessman Turhan Mildon, was intended as a donation to the Kennedy Center but was never delivered. She claimed that Grenell, who led the institution at the time, siphoned off the funds. 

While some reports cite a total wire transfer of $17.6 million, the specific amount allegedly missing is estimated between $5.6 million and $6 million. New details indicate the $17.6 million transfer was made in May 2025 to the Texas-based defense and security company Texas Armament & Technology (TX-AT). Investigations have revealed complexities regarding the source of the funds; while initial claims linked the money to Turhan Mildon, subsequent reports indicate the wire transfer originated from a bank account affiliated with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country where Mildon has served as a consultant and holds a diplomatic passport.

Following an alleged confrontation in the Oval Office on October 9, 2026, where Habba Mildon reportedly confronted the President regarding the misappropriated funds, Donald Trump ordered the White House Counsel’s Office to investigate Grenell for influence peddling. The inquiry focuses on allegations that Grenell promised Mildon VIP access to government officials and the President in exchange for the donation. Grenell has denied all allegations, describing the claims as ‘absurd’ and ‘lies,’ maintaining that he did not receive the funds or send the messages in question.

## Claims

- Alina Habba confronted the President in the Oval Office on October 9 regarding the alleged fraud. (disputed by 12 sources)
- Alina Hamba entered the Oval Office to allege that Grenell stole the money. (disputed)
- Donald Trump ordered the White House Counsel’s Office to investigate Rick Grenell. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- A text message dated May 3, 2025, allegedly shows Grenell offering VIP access and government connections to Turhan Mildon. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Turhan Mildon transferred $17.6 million to Texas Armament & Technology (TXAT). (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Grenell previously served as the head of the Kennedy Center. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Grenell was appointed by Trump as a special envoy for Venezuela. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Rick Grenell denies sending the disputed text message and rejects the allegations. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The $17.6 million was transferred via the Ministry of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Approximately $6 million was intended for a donation to the Kennedy Center. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Donald Trump ordered an immediate investigation into Grenell. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Richard Grenell is accused of attempting to solicit millions of dollars from Turkish oligarch Turcan Mildon. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: White House investigates $17.6 million transfer by Turhan Mildon

The White House is investigating a $17.6 million transfer by Turkish businessman Turhan Mildon, involving allegations that $5.6 million intended for the Kennedy Center was never delivered.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/white-house-investigates-176-million-transfer-by-turhan-mildon

### 2026-10-18: Richard Grenell under White House investigation for alleged influence peddling

Richard Grenell is under White House investigation for allegedly promising Turkish businessman Turhan Mildon access to Donald Trump in exchange for a multi-million dollar donation.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rick-grenell-under-investigation-for-alleged-pay-for-play-scheme

### 2026-10-14: White House investigates claims of missing $6 million Kennedy Center donation

The White House is investigating allegations by Alina Habba that Ric Grenell failed to deposit a $6 million donation to the Kennedy Center made by her husband.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/white-house-investigates-claims-of-missing-6-million-kennedy-center-donation

---
Cite as: White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/white-house-investigation-into-kennedy-center-donation