Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept 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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
