Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
