Washington, D.C.—Today, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) released the following statement in response to a whistleblower complaint detailing rushed, substandard work and contracting irregularities at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The complaint alleges Center leadership revised its procurement policies in late 2025 to exempt itself from Federal Acquisition Regulation—the body of rules governing how federal entities plan, compete and award contracts.

“The Kennedy Center whistleblower allegations are serious and concerning,” Ranking Member Larsen said. “The Board of Trustees have the opportunity to focus on addressing these allegations and ensuring the $257 million Congress approved for renovations are used for legitimate, necessary repairs instead of cosmetic nickel and dime fixes that don’t last. At this point, I’d trust Bob the Builder more than Trump the Builder.”

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