Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated 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.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
