Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
