Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
