Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted 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, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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.
