Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
