Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based 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 dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
