Kennedy Center officials accused of delaying repairs despite known structural issues

Kennedy Center officials were reportedly aware of significant structural issues that were later described as new problems following the decision to close the performing arts venue this month, according to a letter to Congress from a group of former employees. The center's executive director and chief operating officer, Matt Floca, is accused of not prioritizing roofing issues and halting a funded plan to address them in April, as stated in the letter signed by David Seide, a lawyer for the anonymous whistleblowers. Floca has denied these allegations, asserting that recent investigations revealed new hazards at the building. In a court declaration from September, Floca mentioned 'acute risks to public safety' after an inspection led to the temporary closure of the building due to a deteriorating roof terrace canopy and a partial ceiling collapse. The former employees contend that these issues were known to Floca prior to the closure. Seide's letter claims that Floca had previously requested and received funds to address the issues but ceased remediation efforts six months ago. The legislation in question allocated $257 million for the Kennedy Center. The letter, reported by The New York Times, comes amid ongoing tensions regarding the center, which has been a focus for President Trump during his second term. The Trump-aligned board voted to close the center for repairs shortly after a judge blocked plans to return Trump's name to the building. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper has mandated that the center provide 30 days' notice before making significant changes to the building. A Kennedy Center spokesperson provided a statement from Floca, emphasizing the priority of safety for patrons, artists, and staff. Floca acknowledged the long-standing issue of roof leaks but stated that the extent of the internal damage was only discovered recently. He clarified that the design plans were not halted but rather reassigned to a more comprehensive approach due to high contractor costs. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, responded to the whistleblower letter, suggesting that the Kennedy Center leadership had mismanaged congressionally appropriated funds for repairs. He noted that his investigation into the center had previously focused on cronyism and corruption under Trump's leadership, and the new documents indicated deeper financial mismanagement. A spokesperson for the committee's Republican majority did not respond to a request for comment.