Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
