Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
