White House investigates allegations of pay-for-play scheme involving Rick Grenell

President Donald Trump has ordered the White House legal counsel to investigate serious allegations of a "pay-for-play" scheme involving his close advisor, Rick Grenell. According to an Axios report, Turkish businessman Turhan Mildon claims that he was promised access to the U.S. president, VIP events, and high-ranking government officials in exchange for financial contributions. A key piece of evidence is a text message dated May 3, 2025, which outlines a plan to route a donation through a corporate entity to the Kennedy Center.

Mildon alleges that he transferred $17.6 million to the company Texas Armament & Technology (TXAT) under Grenell's direction, with $5.6 million specifically earmarked for the Kennedy Center. However, these funds reportedly never reached the organization and are missing from official records. A White House official noted that the funds originated from the Treasury of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adding complexity to the financial trail. Rick Grenell has denied sending the incriminating message and has publicly rejected all accusations as false. The White House legal office is currently reviewing the evidence to determine the validity of these claims and the potential involvement of administration officials.