Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media 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 is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
