Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
