Washington– The Kennedy Center said Friday it received $7.4 million to hold the lottery World Cup At the Performing Arts Place on December 5.
FIFA is donating $2.4 million to the Kennedy Center as it prepares to host one of the sport’s biggest events, Roma Dharavi, vice president of public relations for the Kennedy Center, told The Associated Press. FIFA “also granted us sponsorship opportunities separate from its commitments for an additional $5 million,” she said.
“When you look at the big picture, the total amount allocated to the Kennedy Center is $7.4 million, plus expenses incurred,” Dharavi added.
The numbers, which had not been previously reported, emerged as Senate Democrats questioned spending and management practices by Kennedy Center leadership. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, Documents released Thursday shows that the Kennedy Center entered into an agreement giving FIFA “exclusive” use of the facility from November 24 until December 12 at no cost, arguing that the venue was at risk of losing millions in potential revenue because of the arrangement.
Response to the committee in A message and on social media, Richard GrinnellThe Kennedy Center president said FIFA paid several million dollars as a sponsor, rather than participating in a traditional lease agreement. He added that FIFA will pay all expenses related to the event.
Asked to comment on the $7.4 million, a Democratic spokesman on the Environment and Public Works Committee said they had asked the Kennedy Center to answer its questions with documents and had not yet received any documents.
More broadly, Democrats sought to portray lavish spending by venue management, including spending thousands of dollars on meals, champagne and other beverages along with hotel rooms. Whitehouse targeted $10,773.19 in spending by Kennedy Center leaders between April 17 and July 2 on special lunches, dinners and alcohol purchases that he said were unrelated to fundraising needs.
In his response, Grenell insisted that food and beverage costs were tied to “donor-based events” and paled in comparison to the amount spent under the Kennedy Center’s previous leadership. Fundraising costs were $4 million from April through June 2024 and $9.3 million for the full year, he wrote.
Whitehouse also questioned $27,185 spent on rooms at the Watergate Hotel for new employees between April 21 and July 16. Grenell said these expenses are being incurred as new employees prepare to move to Washington, and he said the previous leadership spent $878,000 on Watergate in 2024.
The final weeks of the year are usually a fun time for the Kennedy Center, with an emphasis on holiday programs and an annual awards program celebrating some of the United States’ top artists. But the dispute between Whitehouse and Grenell reflects how the Kennedy Center has become a backdrop for partisan politics.
“I have every reason to be concerned about reports and information that cast doubt on your management of the institution,” Whitehouse said He wrote in a letter To Grinnell.
Grenell attacked Whitehouse for continuing “reckless attacks on me and my team.”
“I take financial responsibility seriously,” he said, noting that he raised $117 million this year.
During his first term in the White House, Pres Donald Trump He largely avoided the Kennedy Center and did not attend the annual awards ceremony that celebrates the arts. But shortly after his return to Washington this year, He overthrew the establishment leadershipHe appointed Grenell and filled the board of trustees with his supporters. Trump also announced his election as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The World Cup draw is a reminder of Trump’s influence at the Kennedy Center. The event was widely expected to be held in Las Vegas, but Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino Discussions about bringing him to Washington began when they attended the conference Club World Cup Final in July. Infantino established a close relationship with Trump ahead of the World Cup, appearing with the president in the Oval Office earlier this week as the administration announced New initiative For foreigners traveling to the United States to participate in next year’s tournament.
Infantino was also among those attending this week at a dinner in honor of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
the Kennedy Center Honors It will take place just days after the lottery and will recognize George Strait, Kiss, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and Sylvester Stallone. Trump said he will host the event this year.
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Associated Press writer Graham Dunbar in Geneva contributed to this report.