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White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-21 00:59 UTC → 2026-10-22 03:28 UTC · added removed

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. To support their claims, Mildon’s legal team has submitted bank receipts, message logs, and financial documents to White House counsel Will Scharf. Grenell has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, describing Following an alleged confrontation in the claims as ‘absurd’ and noting that he did not receive Oval Office on October 9, 2026, where Habba Mildon reportedly confronted the funds, request they be diverted, or send messages President regarding the arrangement of misappropriated funds, Donald Trump ordered the donation. White House Counsel’s Office to investigate Grenell for influence peddling. The inquiry has expanded following focuses on allegations of a ‘pay-for-play’ scheme. Reports suggest a text message dated May 3, 2025, allegedly shows that Grenell promising promised Mildon VIP access to government officials and the President in exchange for the Kennedy Center 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-22 03:28 UTC White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation
  2. 2026-10-21 00:59 UTC White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation
  3. 2026-10-20 05:08 UTC White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation
  4. 2026-10-19 18:53 UTC White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation
  5. 2026-10-18 12:52 UTC White House investigation into Kennedy Center donation

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