Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed 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, 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
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.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
