Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined 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 proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 published soon.
