Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction 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.