Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
