Washington National Opera sues, says Kennedy Center owes it $17M

Source: The Hill

06/12/26 10:48 AM ET


The Washington National Opera (WNO) filed a lawsuit Thursday, alleging that the Kennedy Center failed to return more than $17 million in donations made to the organization after its split from the venue earlier this year.

The WNO cited the Kennedy Center’s position as a federally chartered entity and its membership in the Smithsonian Institution in its challenge, which lists the federal government as the defendant.

“The funds held by the Kennedy Center represent years of gifts and contributions made by loyal WNO donors who specifically directed their support to benefit WNO and its mission,” the opera said in the court filing.

“Those donors trusted that their contributions would support WNO’s artists, its performances and the education and community programs that WNO has carried out for decades,” it continued. The Hill has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment.

Read more: https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5921637-washington-national-opera-lawsuit-kennedy-center-trump/