Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening 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 appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
