Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
Image Source
The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
