New management alleges a $26 million deficit; former leadership disputes the account
Reporting and findings
- reported
Kennedy Center CFO Donna Arduin alleged that prior leadership left a $26 million bottom-line deficit and a broken budget. Former president Deborah Rutter said she did not recognize the 'phantom revenue' claim and pointed to annual independent audits. The Center's FY2023 public filing had reported $286.4 million in revenue and a $6.5 million surplus, but that earlier year does not resolve the later budget dispute.
- NPR: Former Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter refutes Trump's criticismNPR management claim and Rutter response; FY2023 financial report
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: Fiscal year 2023 annual reportNPR management claim and Rutter response; FY2023 financial report
Summary and current status
New management and former leadership tell different stories about the deficit
People and organizations
- Donald J. TrumpBoard chair whose management made the allegation
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsInstitution whose inherited finances were disputed
Money trail
otherFY2023 reported surplus$6.5 million - Measured subject
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts