White House probes alleged $5.6 million Kennedy Center donation dispute
The White House has begun an investigation after former Trump attorney Alina Habba accused former Kennedy Center executive director Ric Grenell of not depositing a $5.6 million donation intended for the Center.
Key points
- Alina Habba told President Trump the donation was from her husband, Turkish billionaire Turhan Mildon.
- Habba claims Grenell persuaded Mildon in early 2025 to wire $17.6 million, with $5.6 million earmarked for the Kennedy Center.
- White House Counsel Will Scharf is handling the investigation.
- Three other sources doubt Habba’s allegations.
- Grenell led the Kennedy Center until March and the official does not know which company received the funds.
Alina Habba, former personal attorney to former President Donald Trump and former top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, has accused former Kennedy Center executive director Ric Grenell of failing to deposit a $5.6 million donation intended for the Center.
Habba told President Trump about the allegation in the Oval Office on a Friday, stating that the money was to come from her husband, Turkish billionaire Turhan Mildon.
Grenell, who led the Kennedy Center as executive director until March, is alleged by an administration official to have persuaded Mildon in early 2025 to make a $17.6 million wire transfer as part of a joint business venture, with $5.6 million earmarked for the Center. The official said he does not know which company received the funds.
President Trump has referred the matter to White House Counsel Will Scharf for further investigation.
Three additional sources critical of Grenell have expressed doubt about Habba’s claims.
Your questions, answered
Who is Alina Habba?
Alina Habba is a former personal attorney to former President Donald Trump and a former top federal prosecutor in New Jersey.
What is the alleged donation amount?
The alleged donation amount is $5.6 million, part of a $17.6 million wire transfer from Turkish billionaire Turhan Mildon.
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