Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
