Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees 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 stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed 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 report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
