Overview

• New head of development Lisa Dale asked staff to pray during a May meeting, prompting an audible gasp before she withdrew the suggestion.
• During the same gathering, Dale warned that insubordination would be grounds for dismissal.
• The center recently created a director of faith-based programming role as part of President Trump’s effort to reshape its offerings.
• Trump’s self-appointment as chairman and replacement of board members with loyalists have coincided with program cancellations and dozens of staff resignations.
• Donations have slipped, bookings have been canceled and artists including Yo-Yo Ma have pulled out as allegations of financial mismanagement surface alongside talks with Qatar on VIP renovations.