Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The governing 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 declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined 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 intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
