Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
