Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work 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 added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
