Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new 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 decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
