Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
