Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will 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 expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
