Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration 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 announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.