Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership 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 declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
