Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
