Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
