Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined 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 planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
