Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
