Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future 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.
