Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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 future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
