Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal 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 is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
