Interm Executive Director of the Kennedy Center Ric Grenell is claiming that the performing arts center has no money.

The Trump Loyalist took to X and said, “I was briefed today by the CFO of the Kennedy Center on its financial situation. She told me there is ZERO cash on hand. And ZERO in reserves. And the deferred maintenance is a crisis. For the past months they’ve been digging into the DEBT RESERVES. We must fix this great institution. The people working hard at the Nation’s premier performing arts center deserve better – and so do all Americans.” 

According to the Kennedy Center, it receives about $45 million of its $268 million budget in 2024 from the federal government which helps keep the building operational. According to the Washington Post, the company received $95 million from donations, and with Donald Trump now Chairman, he is responsible for keeping the donations coming. However, notable personalities such as Issa Rae have canceled sold-out performances. Additionally, prominent figures like Shonda L. Rhimes and Renée Fleming have resigned from their positions.  

I was briefed today by the CFO of the Kennedy Center on its financial situation.

She told me there is ZERO cash on hand. And ZERO in reserves. And the deferred maintenance is a crisis.

For the past months they’ve been digging into the DEBT RESERVES.

We must fix this great…

— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) February 13, 2025

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