The former president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Deborah Rutter, is denying accusations of fraud that emerged during a White House dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and the center’s interim executive director, Richard Grenell, on Monday evening.
Rutter, who was dismissed by the Trump administration in February, defended her record at the center, claiming that a $10 million fund had been established for revenue fluctuations prior to her departure.
“I am deeply troubled by the false allegations regarding the management of the Kennedy Center being made by people without the context or expertise to understand the complexities involved in nonprofit and arts management,” Rutter stated on Tuesday.
The allegations arose when Grenell asserted that he had unearthed $26 million in what he termed ‘phantom revenue’ during his review of the center’s finances.
He further called for an investigation by Attorney General Pam Bondi, another board member, into potential criminal activity related to the center’s fiscal management under the leadership of his predecessor.
President Trump, who took on the role of chairman when he assumed control of the Kennedy Center earlier in the year, echoed these claims, remarking, “It’s the last time I’ll take a job without looking at it. Tremendous amounts of money were spent there over the last 10 years; I don’t know where they spent it.”
Rutter, who served as the center’s president since 2014, disclosed that board members, including Trump’s own appointees, were now being accused of potential malfeasance.
This led Rutter to suggest that the current administration might be deflecting financial challenges identified after her exit onto former management.
“Following my departure from the Kennedy Center, three and a half months ago, I have had no access to, nor knowledge of, its current financial situation… Perhaps those now in charge are facing significant financial gaps and are seeking to attribute them to past management,” she explained.
Rutter’s termination was a surprise, as she had intended to retire at the end of 2025. Just two days post-dismissal, the Kennedy Center confirmed Grenell’s appointment as her successor.
Since the transition in leadership, notable cancellations of high-profile productions have raised eyebrows.
Producer Jeffrey Seller announced the cancellation of performances of the Tony-award winning musical “Hamilton,” citing a need to protect the Kennedy Center from political influences.
Additionally, creators of other scheduled productions, including the Gay Men’s Chorus’ “A Peacock Among Pigeons” and a children’s musical titled “Finn,” claimed their shows were also canceled due to Grenell’s leadership.
The Kennedy Center, however, has refuted these allegations, asserting that cancellations were due to “financial and scheduling factors.”
Grenell commented during the White House dinner that previous performances exhibited “rampant political propaganda” and included “very inappropriate shows.”
Yet, the Kennedy Center expressed its commitment to presenting new productions, announcing a lineup for the 2025 and 2026 seasons that features acclaimed shows such as “The Outsiders,” “Moulin Rouge!”, and “Spamalot.”
Earlier this month, Grenell had discussed ongoing financial challenges at the Kennedy Center, remarking that staff salaries were being funded from debt reserves upon his arrival.
“In case you don’t understand economics, you should know this is not sustainable,” Grenell noted.
He emphasized that his administration has not canceled any performances but has required that all shows become revenue-neutral through ticket sales or sponsorship initiatives.
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