Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided 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, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
