Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
